The C-17 and BC-17X: Systems Engineered Transport Aircraft for the World

摘要

The USAF and RAF C-17 and the Boeing-funded commercial derivative, the BC-17X, are aircraft with unique requirements. The C-17's capabilities include austere airfield landing, short takeoff and landing capability, and benign loading and unloading. Systems engineering (SE) is applied to the customer-required Producibility Enhancement / Performance Improvement (PE/PI) and to Boeing-initiated projects, such as Must Cost projects to improve aircraft affordability. PE/PI projects include the Dual-Row Airdrop capability. Must Cost examples include the Wheel, Brakes, and Tires Alternate Configuration. Other Boeing-initiated projects include the Extended Range project. BC-17X efforts include commercial certification and the conversion to commercial missions. All of these changes have been accomplished through the fusion of SE and the expediting of changes through the Change Breakthrough Initiative (CBI). The final area of SE application is the development of the Flexible Sustainment system for aircraft support.