Structural analysis at VSEL

Describes a top down systems approach to the design of any large and complex system. The specific example used throughout is that of a submarine weapon system since this is the line of work in which VSEL (combat systems) is engaged. The approach leads to a truly integrated weapon system (IWS) in contrast with the traditional practice of bottom-up integration of individually specified sub-systems. The systems design activities appropriate to the feasibility and project definition phases are discussed in detail, and the specific technique advanced by VSEL is described. A computer-based integrated modelling environment under phased development supports this technique, with a centralised relational database accessible to a series of toolsets