The integration of digital twins within a digital thread framework offers
significant benefits for managing Army ground and surface water vehicles. This
paper examines how digital twins can enhance lifecycle management, operational
efficiency, and maintenance for mature and new military vehicle programs.
Scalable and cost-effective implementation with layered capabilities allows
organizations to start with a cost-effective foundational model and phase in
additional layers of capability over time. This phased approach allows you to
expand your digital twin capabilities as program budgets permit, ensuring that
you can adapt to evolving requirements without overwhelming upfront investment.
For established programs, digital twins enable real-time monitoring, predictive
analytics, and data-driven decisions, improving resource allocation and cutting
costs. For new programs, they speed up prototyping, integrate modern
technologies, and enhance training capabilities. Case studies demonstrate that
digital twins can simulate vehicle performance, support proactive maintenance,
and improve resource management. Despite challenges like data integration and
cybersecurity, our findings highlight the potential of digital twins to boost
the resilience and readiness of military fleets, ultimately aiding mission
success. This research provides a roadmap for military stakeholders to modernize
vehicle management using advanced digital technologies.