Enhancing the Utility of Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (UAVs) with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)

Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as versatile tools with significant implications across various industries, particularly in defense. The technological advancements in UAVs have revolutionized military operations, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. However, there exist challenges such as environmental factors affecting sensor and flight performance, limited battery life restricting flight durations, and payload capacity constraints impeding task efficiency.This paper delves into the importance of UAVs in different industries, specifically focusing on their pivotal role in the Department of Defense. It emphasizes the necessity of technological upgrades to overcome current challenges and proposes the adoption of a Modular and Open System Approach (MOSA) to drive innovation and streamline UAV design processes. Implementing MOSA can tackle system complexity, enhance interoperability, and optimize development procedures within the UAV sector. Moreover, the paper introduces Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) as a methodology for successfully incorporating MOSA into UAV design. This approach offers a visual representation of system components and their interactions, aiding in identifying components suitable for modular design based on key principles: Encapsulation, Loose Coupling, Abstraction, Single Responsibility Principle, and High Cohesion. The anticipated outcomes of this initiative aim to foster innovation, collaboration, and system evolution. A case study featuring a quadcopter UAV tailored for inspection missions illustrates the practical application of MBSE and MOSA principles by utilizing SysML Cameo software in UAV development.