Product Pull Paradigm: Solving a System of Systems Problem for TLARs

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of aviation, the integration of advanced technologies and the increasing complexity of operations necessitate a shift towards a system-of-systems (SoS) approach. An SoS refer to the coordinated operation of multiple independent systems, which collectively achieve capabilities that would be impossible for any individual system to accomplish alone. Consequently, an SoS approach may enable new and more efficient solutions to modern day aviation challenges, such as aerial wildfire fighting or the introduction of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). In this context, techniques such as Agent-Based Simulations (ABS) are believed to be enablers for the early evaluation of how SoS can be used to tackle such challenges. This work therefore aims to present a method for holistic System-of Systems Engineering (SoSE) that is being developed under the European-funded research project named COLOSSUS [1]. The intended method aims to explore different SoS architectures in order to ultimately give suggestions for new and novel aircraft solutions. The method involves multiple steps; from scenario and problem definitions down to ABS and optimization of different SoS architectures that in turn may give insights into suitable Top-Level Aircraft Requirements (TLAR) of new yet-tobe-developed aerial systems. This way of breaking down the problem to find suitable solutions is here referred to as a top-down approach. In product development, a top-down approach implies a “product pull paradigm”, meaning that new system solutions are derived or “pulled” from the investigated problem.