Model-based Tools designed for the FACE™ Technical Standard, Editions 3.0 & 2.1

Abstract

The promise of model-based systems engineering (MBSE), as described by DO-178C's supplement, DO-330 [1], [2] is with a sufficiently described system and software model, one should be able to auto-generate system's control software, testing, and lifecycle documentation. If aligned to a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), like the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) Technical Standard [3], and if aligned to Military Aircraft Airworthiness Qualification efforts, the lifecycle artifacts can be used and reused across a fleet of dissimilar aircraft systems, enhancing aircraft capabilities across the battlespace [4]. The Open Group FACE Consortium [https://www.opengroup.org/face] has long requested metrics regarding time savings and level of effort (LOE) using the Modular Open Systems Approach described by the FACE Approach. This paper presents three (3) working use cases of using the TES-SAVi AWESUM® MBSE tool suite converting FACE Technical Standard data models. AWESUM® now has the capability to convert software developed to the FACE Technical Standard from Standard, Editions 2.x to 3, up to the interface validation process. Designed as a complete lifecycle tools suite, AWESUM® has the ability to address the complete lifecycle objectives described by DO-178C, support software aligned to the FACE Technical Standard, and support Military Airworthiness Qualification processes [5]. The use cases reported within this paper include the conversion of the BALSA (Basic Avionics Lightweight Source Archetype) User Supplied Model (USM) v2 with ~100 data elements to USM v3; secondly, the v2 to v3 conversion of a US Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) topic requesting common reusable FACE development efforts, namely the Army Common Engine FADEC Interface (CEFI) FACE component, which was intentionally designed to leverage BALSA as its starting point for design; and thirdly a sizable real-world application, the conversion of a Raytheon Missile Systems' (RMS) program with ~15,000 data elements. This third product is a FACE Domain Specific Data Model (DSDM) awarded FACE Conformance Certification in April 2019 to FACE Technical Standard, Edition 2.1. This DSDM is based on the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Control Segment (UCS) Version 3.4 [6]. This paper records the efficiencies of MBSE tools applied to FACE Technical Standard development efforts, lessons learned, and metrics on level of effort (LOE) saved. Should the products be ported and reused across a fleet of dissimilar aircraft platforms, the reuse efficiencies further increase.