Client: MBDA, Bristol

Project: Fire Shadow

The challenge

Operational analysis conducted by UK MOD concluded that there was the need for artillery with greater precision and range to attack individuals and groups of mobile land targets, often in cluttered environments. This led to the requirement for a loitering munition capability that provided low collateral damage, a flight duration of several hours, and the ability to engage both static and moving targets. In June 2008 after a successful demonstration of a concept air vehicle, MBDA started the assessment phase for this loitering munition programme. The challenge was to deliver capability in accelerated timescales compared to traditional methods by using a rapid development approach. To contribute to achieving this, MBDA mobilised a team of systems engineers to support the requirement, design, verification and validation activities using a model based systems engineering approach.

Our solution

Purple Secure Systems provided a number of systems engineers to help develop and refine the system requirements, elaborate the design, and verify the system during the Assessment Phase and, Demonstration and Manufacture Phase. Our engineers supported MBDA’s first major venture in model based systems engineering, using the latest SysML modelling tools to develop a behavioural system model. Verification was handled via a more traditional approach using DOORS, which was used to synchronise the system model with verification matrices. Our engineers also used Matlab to conduct performance analysis against key areas of the system.

Benefits achieved

MBDA have been able to draw upon reliable and trusted Purple engineering resources throughout the project lifecycle. The experience and knowledge of Purple engineers has continually added value during the development process. Our team have built a reputation for hard work and dedication, with a rigorous approach to engineering.