Abstract
As digital twins (DTs) become integral to defense modernization, ensuring their interoperability, scalability, and reusability remains a critical challenge. While frameworks such as the Digital Twin System Interoperability Framework (DTSIF) and the Unified Data Reference Architecture (UDRA) have established foundational guidelines, a standardized digital twin taxonomy remains underdeveloped. Without a common data model and classification structure, defense programs face integration complexity, data silos, and limited cross-platform applicability. This paper validates a digital twin taxonomy within a modeling and simulation (M&S) environment, applying it across real-world defense programs to assess its effectiveness in digital engineering workflows.
Validation Process: The taxonomy is evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods, including:
- Interoperability Metrics: Measuring alignment with DoD data strategies and OMG Data Distribution Service (DDS) standards to assess cross-system data exchange.
- Composability & Reusability: Evaluating reductions in integration effort and improved model reuse across air, land, sea, and electronic warfare systems.
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) Assessments: Gathering insights from digital engineering practitioners on usability and implementation feasibility.
Novelty of Approach: Unlike prior studies that focus on isolated implementations, this research validates a standardized digital twin taxonomy across multiple defense platforms, including the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), Aegis Combat System, and the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP). This multi-domain validation bridges conceptual frameworks with operational defense applications, ensuring taxonomy-driven digital twin integration at enterprise scale.
Impact on DoD Strategy: The findings support DoD Data Strategy principles, reinforcing data-centric architectures, modular open system approaches (MOSA), and scalable digital engineering. By aligning with the Mission Architecture Style Guide (MASG), this research informs future DoD acquisition policies and promotes taxonomy-driven procurement strategies that enhance training, readiness, and system adaptability.
This research underscores the role of standardized DTs in enabling faster, more effective training and decision-making for multi-domain operations. A validated taxonomy strengthens digital twin adoption in defense.