J-MASS and concurrent simulation in the laboratory environment

Changes in simulation technology now allow the creation of virtual prototypes of conceptual hardware systems in advance of when actual hardware could be built. This paper discusses the concept and vision of employing the Joint Modeling and Simulation System in an Air Force laboratory environment for desktop collaborative virtual prototyping. The development of a digital model in parallel with the hardware is concurrent simulation. The model becomes more detailed as the conceptual system and design evolve acid as the hardware technology moves from breadboard to brassboard to flyable prototype. The digital model is then transitioned with the hardware technology for further engineering and manufacturing development into a deployable system. Virtual prototyping and concurrent simulation are key tools for the future of Air Force research and development. This paper addresses how such tools can be employed and utilized in the laboratory