Study of C4ISR Architecture Simulation Validation with UML and Object-Based Petri Nets

C⁴ISR (command, control, communication, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) architecture is the important method to ensure the quality of system design. One method of C⁴ISR architecture validation is to transform the C⁴ISR architecture products to executable models. Through analyzing model execution process and result, the performance of C⁴ISR architecture can be tested. Based on the different advantage of UML (Unified Modeling Language) and Petri nets, the paper applies some kinds of views in UML to describe the relative C⁴ISR system architecture products. Considering the relationship among the products, the UML view of products is transformed to OPN (object-based Petri nets) simulation model according to the transformation rules. So the dynamic behavior of system can be displayed by those simulation model, and whether the relation of time-order, information flow and interface is reasonable, or the system function satisfies the military requirement , and the change of system state is correct, can be checked evidently. At last, the paper gives a case in the air defense system using simulation validation method proposed by it.