Submarine MOSA, SOSA and Open Architecture for EW

Submarine MOSA, SOSA and Open Architecture for EW Training by Tonex

Open architecture can improve the adaptability of submarine electronic warfare (EW) capabilities when standards are selected for verifiable technical needs rather than adopted as labels. This course explains the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA), and their relationship to modular sensing, computing, interfaces, acquisition, and long-term sustainment. Participants examine how open architecture principles support competition, component replacement, documented interface control, and disciplined integration. The curriculum distinguishes broadly applicable standards concepts from specific naval qualification and security requirements that still must be addressed for submarine installations.

Cybersecurity depends on trustworthy module boundaries, software supply chains, and controlled integration of replaceable components. Effective cybersecurity assurance requires verification of identity, configuration integrity, and security requirements beyond simple claims of open-standard alignment.

The practical training approach includes exercises, real-world case studies, and examples of processes and documentation covering architecture profiles, interface compliance matrices, contract data requirements, and assurance records used in naval open systems projects.

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain MOSA as a combined technical and acquisition strategy for modular defense systems.
• Describe the scope of SOSA and the importance of tailoring for submarine EW requirements.
• Evaluate functional modularity, mechanical interfaces, computing services, and data interoperability.
• Distinguish standards alignment from verified conformance, cybersecurity approval, and platform qualification.
• Assess supplier independence, technical data rights, lifecycle cost, and technology refresh implications.
• Develop reviewable requirements for module interfaces, secure integration, and verification evidence.
• Prepare evidence-based architecture and acquisition recommendations for submarine modernization.

Audience

• Naval Modular Open Systems Architects
• Electronic Warfare Acquisition and Program Managers
• Open Hardware and Embedded Computing Engineers
• Submarine Systems Integration Specialists
• Standards and Interoperability Leads
• Technical Data Rights and Configuration Professionals
• Cybersecurity Professionals
• Verification, Qualification, and Assurance Engineers

Course Modules

Module 1: MOSA Principles and Naval Acquisition Strategy

• Explain modular open systems as an engineering and acquisition approach to lifecycle adaptability.
• Distinguish open standards adoption from genuinely replaceable modules and verifiable interfaces.
• Identify interfaces suitable for modular boundaries using cohesion and dependency criteria.
• Review acquisition incentives supporting competition, sustainment, and controlled component substitution.
• Assess technical data and interface documentation required for meaningful supplier independence.
• Develop architecture governance questions for modernization and requirements reviews.

Module 2: SOSA Scope and Sensor Architecture

• Describe Sensor Open Systems Architecture concepts for modular sensing and embedded processing.
• Review logical function allocation, hardware profiles, and defined interface expectations.
• Explain how SOSA relates to electronic warfare and signals intelligence sensor systems.
• Differentiate standard alignment from platform-specific design certification or maritime suitability.
• Examine opportunities and limitations when integrating diverse supplier sensor modules.
• Establish explicit tailoring assumptions for submarine processing and installation requirements.

Module 3: Open Hardware and Software Interface Selection

• Review modular backplane, chassis, processing, and software-service interface considerations.
• Assess OpenVPX-related concepts without assuming one hardware profile fits every platform.
• Define timing, data semantics, and network requirements beyond mechanical connectivity.
• Identify portability and operating system dependencies affecting software component substitution.
• Evaluate electromagnetic compatibility, thermal, environmental, and maintenance qualification needs.
• Prepare interface selection criteria balancing interoperability, performance, and lifecycle risk.

Module 4: Security Assurance and Supplier Governance

• Identify trust boundaries and privileged access paths introduced by replaceable components.
• Review component provenance, secure update, and software supply chain assurance obligations.
• Assess standards conformance independently from cybersecurity verification and authorization requirements.
• Develop supplier evidence expectations for configuration, vulnerabilities, and corrective support.
• Review technical data rights, licensing, and interface disclosure responsibilities.
• Document residual security and supplier-dependency risks in modular architecture decisions.

Module 5: Conformance Evidence and Integration Qualification

• Construct requirements-to-standard traceability for chosen interfaces and hardware profiles.
• Assess supplier test reports for explicit scope, configurations, and applicable criteria.
• Distinguish interoperability evidence from subsystem performance and integrated platform qualification.
• Define independent verification needs for data compatibility, timing, and degraded service behavior.
• Plan regression evidence for module replacement, firmware changes, and supplier substitutions.
• Prepare a conformance findings register with exceptions and decision ownership.

Module 6: Modernization Roadmaps and Architecture Reviews

• Evaluate candidate module changes against existing platform baselines and long-term support needs.
• Compare architecture alternatives using interfaces, qualification impact, and acquisition costs.
• Prioritize technology refresh opportunities with measurable integration and cybersecurity acceptance criteria.
• Define stakeholder review gates and documentation for modernization approval.
• Develop a modular roadmap covering interface stability, component replacement, and sustainment.
• Present a defensible recommendation distinguishing current conformance evidence from future assumptions.

Advance Your Professional Expertise

Apply open architecture principles without compromising engineering rigor. Submarine MOSA, SOSA and Open Architecture for EW Training by Tonex helps professionals evaluate modularity, standards tailoring, supplier independence, cybersecurity assurance, and qualification evidence.