The evolution of computer-aided engineering has paralleled that of computer technology. Engineering was one of the first disciplines to take advantage of the computer's ability to work with great precision, reliability, and ever-increasing speed, first with numbers, then with nonnumerical symbols, and then with graphic and visual images. The term “computer-aided engineering” understates the significance of the field. The computer has become such an indispensable part of modern engineering that the term “computer-based engineering” might be more appropriate. This article illustrates the impact of computer technology on the process of designing complex systems by focusing on the design of the most complex mobile system ever developed, the large modern warship. These vessels have lengths up to 1000 ft (300 m) and displacements up to 100,000 tons (90,000 metric tons), and are capable of sustaining over 6000 people for extended periods while surviving severe weather and seas and enemy attack.