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Systems of systems (SoS) leverage dynamic configuration of independent systems to achieve a capability neither of the independent constituent systems can achieve on their own. Therefore, SoS engineering goes beyond addressing requirements to addressing capabilities. Due to the independence of the constituent systems, capability is formed by complex interdependence of legacy systems. It is also subject to uncertainty of the evolutionary development of the SoS, making it important to not only see the bigger picture but to plan for the changing capability patterns in the life of an SoS. This study looks at the body of knowledge surrounding definitions, support systems and practices around the concept of capability in the context of SoS. The results show; context dependent nature of the definition of capability, country-specific support systems, ongoing efforts to form more robust frameworks and dominant establishment of this theme in the defense sector.

This study presents a core ontology for missions and capabilities in systems of systems. The aim of the study is to create artifacts that facilitate precise understanding of fundamental concepts of SoS. An ontological approach proposes and develops taxonomic homogeneity and structural knowledge of SoS. The ontology development process involved workshop sessions with industry experts and meta modelling of the different concepts and their relationships. The ontology includes thirteen concepts of types physical things, people, information and mixed. These concepts are defined and their relations are briefly described. The developed ontology is further illustrated using a wildfire scenario case study.