Objective

The objectives of the cost/benefit analysis task in the NAVAIR CVP study are as follows:

• To identify areas in the acquisition process which would provide large cost savings if collaborative virtual prototyping is implemented. An example of this could be the combination of the Demonstration and Validation and the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phases of acquisition into a single Concurrent Engineering/Demonstration phase.

• To estimate the potential cost/labor/time savings by utilizing CVP/IPPD technologies in the acquisition of the Common Support Aircraft.

The above figure represents the breakdown of the life cycle costs for the F-18 and E-2C. The majority of costs are expended in the production of the aircraft. Identifying and resolving manufacturing cost-driven issues early in the design phase has the potential for significant savings during production. Identification and resolution of maintenance and logistics issues during design, while still in the virtual environment, has the potential for savings during the operations of the aircraft. The sooner the life cycle management issues are addressed, the greater the potential for savings.

Table of Contents --- Next Section