Kevin G. Keth

Date of Award

3-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

David R. Jacques, PhD

Abstract

he Department of Defense has pushed to implement Digital Material Management, to include Engineering (DE) and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) into acquisition processes, publishing various supporting documents such as the Systems Engineering Guidebook, DoDI 5000.97 Digital Engineering, and DoD Reference Architecture Description. DE and MBSE aims to establish a digital authoritative source of truth accessible to all stakeholders responsible for system architecture. However, within multidisciplinary teams, individuals often come from diverse professional backgrounds unrelated to DE and systems engineering, making it challenging to fully leverage the benefits of the digital model. This paper describes an MBSE model that adopts a reference architecture used for small, unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) and a validation framework to enable model-based design reviews (MBDR). The model is applied to an academic team researching Autonomous Aerial Refueling using SUAS as part of a broader effort to support digital transformation. Using the action research methodology, additional technical views are identified that can support the various roles in the research teams. Refined and additional technical views to support the team include a detailed physical decomposition and internal block diagram, test event diagrams, safety requirements tracing diagram, system design review diagrams, and a oriented user interface for researchers based on their role.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-25-M-245

Comments

An embargo was observed for this posting.

Distribution A: Approved for public release, Distribution Unlimited. PA case number 88ABW-2025-0479

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