Abstract:
This paper reports on the current state of experimentation and deployment of the PMM method within the Design Office of Airbus Helicopters (AH). It shows that it is possible to efficiently carry out a system engineering process based on modeling and simulation (MS4SE). It is based on simulation tools that are widely available and known to engineers in the practice of their disciplines. The PMM method has not yet been used at AH on a complete helicopter program. This is owed in part to the too recent emergence of PMM. However, PMM has gone through several qualification stages in the form of Proofs of Concept (POCs) and pilot projects conducted directly in relation with operational teams and engineering disciplines interested to PMM for the greatest benefit of end users. The paper presents results for each stage of the development cycle paying a particular attention on both ends of this cycle: from the development of the operational concept and the validation of the top-level specification to the final verification of a helicopter function on an integrated helicopter test laboratory.