SAIC emphasizes digital engineering for JADC2

SAIC picture

As the Pentagon moves forward in its efforts to connect the military’s sensors, gunners and command elements into a single network, industry partners want to lead the way in digital engineering.

The information technology company Science Applications International Corp. demonstrated how digital engineering could be used for the Army All Domain Command and Control Concept, also known as JADC2, at the most recent annual Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference of the National Training and Simulation Association. Conference.

The demonstration highlighted how digital engineering strategies can enable military decision makers to act faster and more effectively against threats, said Jeff Raver, director of business development for SAIC’s Naval Business Unit. .

Computational engineering is an integrated approach that uses models and other computational resources to perform traditional engineering tasks, from design to product experimentation.

SAIC’s digital demonstration featured a simulation of how JADC2 might work using digital engineering strategies. As an example, it depicts a coordinated effort between US Space Command and high-altitude satellites, drone technology and a Navy submarine to identify and eradicate a threat, Raver said.

By leveraging digital engineering, users have the ability to quickly ensure that different types of data are configured and referenced together so they can be communicated effectively between systems and organizations, he explained. . It can also speed up data validation and resolution of discrepancies in information.

The company is under contract with the Air Force and Navy to advance each branch’s respective versions of the network.

While he acknowledges that the move to more digital-centric engineering can come with a hefty price tag, Raver said a more cost-effective option is possible.

“It doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” he said. “Our customers can gradually implement elements of the digital engineering solutions that would allow them to take this path to move towards a more digital environment without having to bite the elephant all at once.”

However, Raver predicted that soon the term “digital engineering” will disappear from the lexicon.

“Digital engineering will become engineering,” he explained. “This idea of ​​using legacy, paper-based, disconnected systems for engineering solutions and complex environments, it’s just not going to be sustainable.”

Topics: Infotech