Managing change through roadmapping

Abstract

Presently the USAF is operating with 90 different Model Design Series (MDS) aircraft. The 90 MDS aircraft make up a total of 5778 airframes, each with a different number of Lme Replaceable Units (LRUs) which make up the avionics systems. Some of the MDSs have as few as 53 avionics LRUs while others as many as 495. The total dollar value of the USAF aircraft avionics LRUs is approximately $42AB and $30.68B in spares. (See Figure 1.) 111 Depot repairable cost to maintain these components each year is approximately $1.2B [21.Each MDS is assigned specifif missions and the avionics systems are developed to support those missions. Due to the evolution of mission types and user needs, change is constant for the avionics manager. CAUSE OF CHANGEThere are several factors which drive change in aviation electronics. Most of these factors are outside the control of the avionics program manager or engineer. The source of change can be categorized into two groups: customer-driven and sustainment-driven. (See Figure 2.) Customers or users often cause capability change in the avionic systems with military applications. Customer changes can involve foreign threats introducing susceptibility and vulnerability impacts to mission success. Avionics changes can improve the probability of mission success by reducing the vulnerability or susceptibility of the platform to those threats. Changes to improve the probability of mission success include compensation due to failed systems, be it battle-induced or component wear-out. Incorporation of capabilities providing increased lethality is another motivator of digital system AuLon' Currcnr A d d " : B. Hicks. USAF. 2145 Monahan Way, Buildiog 28. WPAFB. OH 45433, USA; L.H. Rigga. L. McDaniel. J. Sanner. 61. Aemnautical E o l c r p r i s e h o~ OWce. Wight-Pamnon A m . OH45433. USA. Based OD B presentation at DASC 2003.