An object-oriented simulation environment for airbase logistics

The subject of this paper, the Integrated Model Development Environment (IMDE), addresses basic difficulties experienced in simulating airbase logistics. These difficulties arise during two major modeling activities: (1) developing the conceptual model, and (2) translating the conceptual model to a particular simulation software implementation. The difficulty of the former activity is largely irreducible, a consequence of the inherent complexity of large, dynamic, and uncertain military systems such as airbase logistics. However, while the latter activity is also complex, key technologies have the potential to simplify this part of the modeling process. This paper discusses how a synergistic combination of object-oriented programming and data bases, graphical programming, software environments, and powerful computer workstations can provide significant enhancements to simulation modeling capabilities. In addition, the paper presents the object-oriented decomposition of the airbase logistics domain as it is implemented in IMDE. The paper also discusses how the IMDE design meets the needs of airbase logistics modelers with widely differing capabilities and mission requirements. This is accomplished by providing different modeling ‘levels’, each with its own user interface, skill requirements and degree of access to modeling tools. The paper concludes with a description of the current status of this large scale research and development effort.