Proving Value in Aerospace & Defense MRO Programs
The U.S. Aerospace & Defense industry is the world leader not only in the design, production and development of technically advanced aerospace systems, space programs and defense tactics, but also in the use of innovative materials that decrease the weight of vehicles for extended periods of time while at the same time increasing passenger safety. In fact, many consider aerospace technology to be the most important technological area in the world. One out of every six dollars is spent on R&D in the United States. Aerospace companies rely upon numerous technologies for space exploration, such as powerful launch vehicles and huge space stations. A successful aerospace program must use the best of materials available so that the vehicle can be designed for maximum maneuverability.
Aerospace and defense technologies are extremely complex, requiring years of effort and millions of dollars of research and development before the first aircraft can be built. The process begins with designing and building the aircraft. After the aircraft is complete, it must be delivered to its destination and undergo rigorous testing in order to prove its effectiveness and reliability. If the testing is successful, it then goes back to the drawing board and is completely re-designed until the customer requirements are met.
The final step of the process is to test and make flight samples of the new aircraft. Testing is a key requirement for aircraft buyers, as it determines whether or not the new product is safe, functional and efficient. For an aerospace & defense contractor, test flights are a crucial part of their overall lifecycle costs and they often approach aerospace & defense testing agencies to help reduce the process. The testing agency will conduct both short-term and long-term flight tests of the product to determine any issues that might arise and determine if the new aircraft design is still viable. The agency then determines the cost of such a test from the prospective savings realized throughout the life of the aircraft.
It’s important to realize that the entire lifecycle of an aircraft does not have to be considered when developing an aerospace & defense product. Some businesses are more focused on acquiring a program that will provide them with a steady revenue stream for many years while other companies are more focused on acquiring a system that can be quickly and easily integrated into their operations. One company may use the time to focus on obtaining an expendable launch vehicle whereas another may choose to pursue a reusable aircraft system. A key component in the successful development of a system to be used in an aircraft or ship is the MRO (manufacturing, production, logistics & service) and CMP (cost, performance, manufacturing & maintenance).
There are two primary types of MROs: short-term and long-term. A short-term MRO (or CMO) provides an effective solution during an outbreak of a virus or a short period of time when a threat is present. This might involve the use of contaminated biological safety cabinets (BSCs), closed cabinet isolation (CCIs), closed envelopes (CEs), closed shipping containers (CSDs), or contaminated areas of the aircraft. These closed cabinets will offer the ability to isolate the aircraft from other airplanes and ships until the contamination has been cleaned away. During this type of emergency situation, the aircraft can be boarded and taken to a temporary holding area.
On the other hand, a long-term MRO is used to manage a fleet of aircraft or protect a national aerospace system against a long-term outbreak of a disease or vulnerability to a weapon of mass destruction. The main objective of a long-term MRO is to protect the overall value chain. This would include securing the integrity of the supply chain to prevent the use of contaminated materials and equipment, maintaining adequate levels of healthcare for any employees that will be deployed to these affected areas, and training all affected personnel to be aware of their responsibilities during and after an outbreak. This would also involve implementing methods to track the development of any contaminants that are introduced into the environment of the civil aerospace.
Another objective of a long-termCCI or CCFD program is to provide the capability for life support. A good example of this would be securing the lives of those in a field that are directly involved with protecting the aerospace. This includes emergency medical services. It may also include procuring the lives of those who may need to make a controlled landing following an accident or emergency.
A final objective of a long-term CCI or CCFD program is to improve the operational value of the aerospace system. This includes improving the ability of aircraft to operate within their designed environment. It would also include improving the ability of aircraft to sustain themselves in flight following an accident or emergency. These objectives are directly related to the long-term health of the crew members. While the protection of the aircraft itself is considered a top-level objective, the overall improvement of the value chain is crucial to the success of the program.