Maintaining Future Military Aircraft Design Capability

Abstract

This research addresses one element of this broad issue: the continuing ability to design and develop manned aircraft systems. Many studies and review committees have examined the industrial base, focusing primarily on the ability to produce items under various conditions. Other studies have examined the organization and funding of the underlying technology base. But having the basic technology and a production base does not ensure the ability to design and develop a new system in an effective manner. Although other studies have examined weapon system development in terms of acquisition strategies, we were surprised to find that little attention has been devoted to the design and development process with respect to industry posture and capability. It is this design capability, as affected by diminishing budgets and new project starts, that is the focus of this research.