Systems Engineering for Naval Ship Design Evolution

The intensive integration of technology and the demand for high-level performance are specific features of warships, which are at present one of the most complex systems. An appropriate design process, able to foresee in a life cycle perspective, is necessary to properly implement the emergent properties and the capabilities required for the warship in the different operational profiles. This paper will delve into the integration of the Systems Engineering (SE) approach into the realm of naval ship design, fostering an innovative perspective. An integration of the design spiral method with the SE approach will be described, making possible the definition of a hinge between the two realms and depicting a novel comprehensive approach where the ship platform and the so-called payload are finally interconnected with each other.