Ada Structural Modeling (ASM) is a software development concept that emphasizes the architectural aspects of a real-time software system. The concept was developed by the Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, with assistance from the Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. The concept was originally developed for flight trainers, but has recently been used to design the Simulator for Electronic Combat Training (SECT), a high-fidelity, classroom trainer used to train Air Force Electronic Warfare Officers.
As might be expected, the infusion of a new technological concept presented the development team with numerous technical challenges and opportunities. While the specific technical responses to those demands are of interest to the design analyst, the effect of the responses on the program is of interest to the engineering manager. This paper reviews the ASM design experience on SECT, summarizes its effects on the program, and documents lessons learned for using ASM concepts on future programs.