MBSE and architecture frameworks were created to help systems engineers cope with
the complexity of systems and systems of systems (SoS). Using these modeling
languages, systems engineers can define the system, its context, connecting
systems, internal components and behaviors, constraints, how the system changes
over time, etc. However, when dealing with a family of systems or a product line
of systems, one needs to understand the system variability, common components
and behavior across the product line. This can decrease costs for development,
maintenance, supply chains, and shorten development lifecycles. Product Line
Engineering (PLE) is the engineering and management of a group of related
products using a shared set of assets and a means of design and manufacturing.
PLE can include system and software assets and involves all aspects of
engineering including electrical, electronic, mechanical, chemical, etc.
Model-based Product Line Engineering combines the best of MBSE and PLE. Using an
example system from Star Wars, this paper will describe MB-PLE, the process for
creating product lines, and the benefits of this approach as applicable to the
military ground vehicle domain. Finally, it will show how the adoption of MB-PLE
provides analysis of alternatives for candidate architectures.