Life Cycle Management of Military Commercial Derivative Aircraft: Improving FAA Certification, Implementation of Digital Engineering and Sustainment Strategy

Abstract

In this report, the authors assess the benefits and challenges of (and propose best practices for) commercial derivative aircraft (CDA) strategies to inform acquisition leadership officials in the U.S. Air Force in case of a future procurement. The authors reviewed existing research related to CDA acquisition to understand the challenges associated with balancing the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a CDA project. This is a companion report to another 2023 report, Improving Acquisition and Sustainment Outcomes for Military Commercial Derived Aircraft: The KC-46A Pegasus Experience.