Core Logistics Capability Policy Applied to USAF Combat Aircraft Avionics Software

The 1985 National Defense Authorization Act required the U.S. Government to maintain the public capability to sustain military systems that play a role in war plans and contingency scenarios - referred to as core. This research analyzes application of this law to the modification of fielded USAF manned combat aircraft Operational Flight Programs (OFPs). First, a review of the content and history of the law and implementing policies was performed. The intent of Title 10's core requirement was analyzed with respect to the risk of relying on private sector depot maintenance in today's environment. Next, models were developed as a tool for determining whether OFP work is more appropriately designated as maintenance or development. The models were applied to current combat aircraft OFPs, and results suggest that most OFP modification is development and not maintenance. Foundational to the models, a common lexicon is proposed with definitions of software maintenance and other key terms. Lastly, a new model for source of repair decisions is proposed which includes a risk analysis for all depot work, regardless of core designation. Beneficial to program offices, depot organizations, and HQ AFMC, this framework allows greater flexibility and cost savings by emphasizing competition based on cost effectiveness.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant. Read more