Pioneering New Frontiers: The Modernization of Missile Defense

Revolutionizing an industry as established as missile defense requires vision, innovation, and a commitment to embracing the future. INTUITIVE is integrating cutting-edge commercial technologies into established systems throughout the defense industry, ensuring the Warfighter reduces risk, enhances their training and understanding, and deploys only the best system.

As we have evolved from a traditional pen-and-paper engineering firm into a trusted high-tech engineering and analysis firm, digital transformation has been at the forefront of our journey, not only for ourselves but for our customers as well. For example, when we pursue new solutions with Artificial Intelligence through our Internal Research & Development (IR&D) program, we bring those studied solutions to our customers’ challenges. "We’re committed to seeking out new technologies and uses that might have applications for our clients. That’s why we operate with a healthy research and development budget," says Dr. William Marx, our Chief Technology Officer, and Senior Vice President. "Our R&D efforts are key to applying commercial technologies to Department of Defense initiatives, mitigating risks, and providing innovative solutions.” ?

Harnessing Technology to Meet Critical Needs

It’s not just about research; it’s about putting innovations to work in ways that make a real difference. For example, detailed visual models and digital twins, allow customers to visualize and optimize systems before they’re even built. "Our digital models have allowed us to respond quickly to urgent needs, providing accurate, real-time visualizations that aid in critical decisions," shares Jeff Souder, Division Manager for Global Defense Systems and Solutions. “Because we were already developing the technology internally for potential client use, we were able to answer that unexpected need,” said Souder. ??

Chanler Cantor, Area Manager of Advanced Visualization and Managed Cybersecurity, notes that digital twins can be used both before and after systems are built. Much like CAD models,?digital twins?allow for a video simulation of what a system does and how it works.

“Before a system is built, the digital twin can help influence the design,” said Cantor. “It can also be used to be sure everything is working before the money is spent to build it.”

Digital twins, or virtual representations of physical systems, are central to innovation. These digital models not only influence design but also serve as pre-training tools, helping users become more comfortable before moving into a simulator, and be supplemental training in case of equipment shortages, making them invaluable throughout the life cycle of defense systems.

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Onsite Expertise and Real-Time Solutions

In the pursuit of innovation, it’s essential to be committed to excellence and ethics. Not only is our team dedicated to developing military applications for new technology, INTUITIVE also works onsite with customers to develop, field, and support various weapon systems.

Our team knows that their proximity matters. Providing Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) and leveraging advanced commercial technologies allows the team to address unforeseen challenges, perhaps earlier, and ensure system reliability. “Having a SETA team onsite with access to our engineering division allows us to quickly solve issues that arise during deployment,” explains Souder. “This capability is crucial for maintaining the safety and effectiveness of our defense systems.”

Collaboration and reach-back to various teams is essential to determine the best solutions for system operation and reliability.

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Connecting the Dots with MBSE

With technology changing constantly – as well as new information being generated through big data and machine learning – it’s critical to maintain a “single source of truth” among documents and records. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) ecosystems streamline processes, increase comprehension, and reduce errors. This ensures that all project information is current and accessible across the various platforms.

"Our MBSE ecosystems ensure that every change, every decision is integrated, providing a comprehensive view of the project,” says Cantor. By prioritizing the digital thread, teams can take a “systems view of all engineering disciplines.”

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When it comes to using advanced technology for system reliability, are you making #TheINTUITIVEChoice?