Mapping of open architectures applied to military systems

Many military systems have long lifecycles, which brings challenges such as technological obsolescence management and the need to adapt to changes in the operational scenario. Another growing challenge for military platforms is achieving interoperability within a system of systems context, as they are becoming more distributed and delivering new and expanded capabilities. To address these engineering and integration issues, an approach gaining popularity over the last decades, is a move toward standardization delivered through Open Architectures as part of the information structure of these complex systems. This paper presents a synthesis of Open Architecture standards to help readers understand how this approach has been applied over the years and the current practice. Over 80 standards or associated initiatives have been identified and analyzed from multiple domains (land, maritime, air), various nations, and consortia. Analysis shows there are similar and overlapping initiatives, but also discontinuities in some programs, which may reduce the credibility of the approach and hinder the adoption of open architecture standards if the implementation is not adequately addressed and contextualized. Thus, this paper presents the initial findings of ongoing research on the principles of implementing open architectures, to provide programme managers with the information and parameters required to select or tailor the most appropriate approach for their needs.