Improving Technology Insertion in Existing Air Force Weapon Systems Through the AFLC Modification Process.

摘要

Current trends indicate that the majority of the aircraft that will be operating in the USAF in the year 2000 are already sitting on Air Force flight lines. These aircraft will be the backbone of our force structure well into the 21st century. However, these aircraft are aging. A key to the USAF retaining affordable combat capability is inserting evolving technologies into older weapon systems through the modification process. A review of Air Force policy on modification management reveals that technology insertion is not directed. Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) has established several programs to facilitate technology insertion, but has not evaluated modification management to determine if technology insertion is being accomplished efficiently and effectively. In addition, there are numerous impediments and barriers to technology insertion. Improving technology insertion in existing weapon systems can only be done if AFLC System Program Managers make it a personal priority to ensure that technology insertion is accomplished on the weapon systems they manage. Keywords: Air Force equipment, Air Force logistics command, Military aircraft, Military modernization, Air Force planning, Modification, Theses. (RWJ)