Military-based virtual systems engineering

This paper discusses how the military can and should move into the world of virtual systems engineering. In the past engineering designs were first done on paper, reviewed using scale models, and finalized in the full scale products. In the future all aspects of product design, manufacture, and repair will be done in virtual space. The ability to make changes "on-the-fly" and without "cutting metal" can save money and time, and will result in better designs. Online collaboration, rapid access to a broad range of tools and experts, and realization of the results into a format that can be quickly and easily understood will enable a decision maker to more fully understand the implications of a particular decision. These tools have broad application in both industrial and military decision making.