BAE Systems selects Systecon Opus Suite for GCAP HQ
Long-term supplier and partner to key Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) stakeholders, Systecon, has been selected by BAE Systems Air to deliver Opus Suite software and services to the GCAP headquarters, where it will be leveraged to support the programme's data-driven Life Cycle Management (LCM) approach and contribute to the development of a sovereign sixth generation fighter jet by 2035.
Image courtesy BAE Systems
With a rich history of over two decades supporting BAE Systems and their use of Opus Suite in a wide range of programmes, Systecon is committed to supporting the BAE Systems Air GCAP Team at Warton as well as the collaborative efforts at the main GCAP programme office.
The recent procurement of Opus Suite optimisation software OPUS10 and simulation software SIMLOX for dedicated use by the GCAP HQ is a testament to Systecon's dedication to providing leading-edge analytics and reliable decision support for supportability engineering, systems engineering and mission engineering. Opus Suite facilitates a through-life approach from the current early stages and onwards through the programme's life cycle. The unanimous commitment to a data-driven approach and model-based decision support in the GCAP programme will be a key element in the collaboration between the three prime contractors BAE Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), as well as with the other key stakeholders.
Dan Andersson (right), CEO of Systecon Group said: "Systecon is proud to deliver software and services to the GCAP program. In these early stages of a programme, the application of a true LCM perspective has an immense impact. The early decisions on design and supportability are decisive for what mission capability, readiness and cost-effectiveness can be achieved by this fighter programme during its entire life span. Needless to say, the very reason Opus Suite exists is to support and influence such key decisions.
"From the conceptual stages and throughout the life cycle, 'cradle to grave'. Hence we are of course delighted to have the opportunity to support this flagship programme and we are also proud to have all three prime suppliers BAE Systems, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Leonardo as long-term Opus Suite clients, as well as several of the other key GCAP suppliers. We are committed to continue supporting the GCAP programme and all involved stakeholders to achieve its ambitious goals."
The GCAP programme is driving the development of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that will define the future of combat aviation. Systecon's Opus Suite, a comprehensive software suite for model-based decision support through strategic and tactical optimisation, simulation and cost analysis, is perfectly suited to support this complex and demanding programme.
John Gallagher, CEO of Systecon UK said: "In the complex landscape of global defence collaboration, the Global Combat Air Programme represents a milestone in international partnership and innovation. Systecon is privileged to contribute our expertise and Opus Suite solutions to this transformative initiative adopting a through-life responsibility and LCM mindset right from the start. Through data-driven Life Cycle Management, we aim to ensure a cost-effective design that meets operational requirements."
Opus Suite software provides a broad range of analysis capabilities for all stages of the life cycle. Application areas in the early phases include:
Translating operational requirements to RAM and Supportability requirements, on system, subsystem, or component levels
Assess and compare alternative system design alternatives, maintenance concept alternatives and operational concepts by predicting their impact on performance, life cycle cost, readiness, robustness, adaptability and other overarching objectives
Budgeting and life cycle cost analysis, financial risk management, cost driver identification and mitigation
Optimise maintenance, support, and repair concepts, including LORA
Maintenance planning, including maintenance task modelling and analysis, as well as dimensioning of personnel and resources
Fleet dimensioning based on operational requirements and projected RAM-C properties
GCAP is a hugely significant programme for the security, political and economic prosperity of each nation and effective knowledge and technology transfer will help to evolve and deliver important sovereign combat air capability in each nation for generations to come. With an analysis-driven approach and a focus on through-life performance and cost from the outset, utilising Systecon's Opus Suite to provide the modelling and analysis capability, GCAP aims to ensure that the next-generation fighter will not only provide next-generation technical features but also the readiness levels, robustness and cost-effectiveness required to achieve these objectives.
Several key stakeholder organisations in the GCAP programme have been relying on Opus Suite for many years in many other programmes as well, including UK MoD Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), BAE Systems, Leonardo Sp.A, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Leonardo UK, MBDA Italy, MBDA UK and Rolls Royce.