A Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation Methodology for Avionics Systems

A cost-effectiveness evaluation study is initiated normally by a set of formal customer requirements in the form of an RFP or RFQ and associated data package. These formal requirements are augmented generally by informal requirements throughout the study. Analysis of the basic operational requirements in terms of the required missions enables definition of generic functional requirements on the avionics system. These functional requirements establish the base for an industry survey of potential machine capabilities in each of the functional areas. Performance indices may then be established. Performance indices may be used in conjunction with basic operational requirements to formulate an appropriate cost-effectiveness model. The industry surveys may provide costversus-performance relationships and projected state-of-the-art performance constraints which, together with the cost effectiveness model, enable determination of those avionics system parameters to which cost effectiveness is most sensitive. These sensitivities, used in conjunction with the basic operational and functional requirements, then permit definition of suitable candidate avionics systems. The overall cost-effectiveness model may be used to determine the relative cost effectiveness of the candidates. Parallel efforts in systems performance analysis may eliminate from further consideration or indicate the need for redefinition of one or more candidates. When all candidates meet the basic performance requirements of the customer, and are judged to be within the estimated customer funding limitations, the most cost effective system is then selected.