Model-Based Systems Analysis and Engineering: Aircraft Data Hierarchy

The Aircraft Data Hierarchy (ADH) represents a transformative Model-based Systems Analysis & Engineering (MBSA&E) framework for standardized aerospace data exchange, specifically designed to address critical challenges in the aerospace industry's digital transformation of its multidisciplinary design processes. This comprehensive technical document outlines the development, structure, and prototype Python implementation of an open-source ADH as a solution that integrates systems analysis (MBSA) with systems engineering (MBSE) using a recursive Model-Based Systems-of-Systems Architecture (MSoSA) structure aligned with established standards.

The ADH facilitates efficient exchange of critical information—geometry definitions, disciplinary tool inputs/outputs, and engineering requirements—through a centralized, validatable data structure implemented using Pydantic v2, with support for serialization in JSON, YAML, and XML formats. This paper details the ADH's high-level architecture, including an example integration with NASA’s MBSA&E framework, its hierarchical organization of aerospace data, and its ability to accommodate diverse aircraft configurations.

The use of a centralized authoritative data source like the ADH eliminates data duplication, enhances cross-disciplinary collaboration, improves traceability, and supports digital thread continuity. This ultimately enables more efficient and innovative aircraft design processes. With significant progress already achieved and continued collaboration with key aerospace stakeholders including NASA, Boeing, GE Aerospace, Collins Aerospace, and the University of Michigan, the ADH is poised to become a fundamental component of future aircraft design. Continued investment and industry involvement through the AIAA are needed to realize the full transformative potential of the ADH.