The system of systems engineering and integration "Vee" model

In the twenty-first century, mission success will require unprecedented interoperability among disparate constituent systems resulting in a System of Systems (SoS). Unlike traditional systems engineering where systems are created based on a set of user needs, a SoS is composed of multiple constituent systems, at various stages within their lifecycles (i.e. new start systems, systems in-development, legacy systems), to satisfy needed mission capabilities. System of Systems Engineering has been exploring appropriate methods and processes for almost two decades. This paper takes the discussion further by introducing a System of Systems Engineering and Integration (SOSE&I) methodology. SoSE&I is the planning, analyzing, and integrating of constituent systems into an SoS capability greater than the sum of those individual systems. The SoSE&I "Vee" process model is introduced and discusses how it is used to engineer the SoS throughout its lifecycle to increase systems integration and interoperability, and directly impact the operational success.