Logistic aspects of advanced avionic systems

The authors discuss the methodology and findings of two logistic studies completed during Phase I of the MoD Advanced Avionic Architecture and Packaging (A³P) Technical Demonstrator Programme. The objectives of the studies were to examine the impact of the introduction of advanced avionic systems in an RAF operated fast jet. In particular the following aspects were addressed: avionic life cycle cost; reliability, maintainability and testability; operational performance factors; and impact on the structure of the maintenance organisation. It is concluded that there are very considerable performance benefits to be gained by the adoption of A³P type architectures, notably in measures such as availability, dependability and supportability. The introduction of A³P type architectures offers many benefits as compared to the conventional approach, both in cost and performance terms. These benefits, however, will only be realised if a service wide policy is adopted to ensure the maximum benefit of commonality across the Army, Navy and RAF