COMTE - Concept of Operation and tactical Modelling for Tradespace Exploration, part 2

Important results from the project

The project has developed methods and models to support the exploration of the problem and design spaces for SoS and their systems. A framework for creating scenarios to describe the problem space has been published. From scenarios, capability needs are explored and capabilities designed. With a system perspective on capabilities, the project’s focus has been on designing two components: technology and tactics. Methods to develop these in concert are studied, starting with a structured literature review, leading to the development of design support (methods, models, and tools).

Expected long term effects

A framework for scenarios as a description of the problem space for the development of SoS and systems has been developed and published in Aerospace. The framework has been applied at Saab and in EU projects. The research area CONOPS exploration for design of SoS and technical systems has proven to be less mature than initially thought, requiring a shift in the project. Key results for future implementation and research come from a structured literature review (not yet published), which maps the area and provides insights on how design support for CONOPS exploration can be developed.

Approach and implementation

The original project plan was initially followed. When methods for exploring the design space of the tactical space were studied, it became apparent that the complexity arises from it being both a socio-technical system and a multi-level system due to hierarchies in today’s SoS, such as in a defense system. Therefore, it was decided to conduct a more thorough analysis of the research area before continuing the work on developing design support. This led to some delay in the publication of the third research article, which will conclude the licentiate thesis, aimed for 2024Q4.