The Formulation and Analysis of an Operating and Support Cost Model for the Advanced RPV Squadron

摘要

A study and analysis of the operating and support (O & S) costs of an Advanced RPV squadron was performed. This study concentrated on the determination of costs for operations and support while the weapon system was still in its conceptual phase of acquisition. It was assumed that early decisions made by the system program manager, with respect to design parameters for a weapon system, can have a major impact on the costs for operating and supporting that weapon system. A cost model was formulated, to be used by the ARPV program manager, that provided operating and support cost visibility. Its purpose was as a tool to provide insight into what cost elements were the high cost drivers. Also, it was intended to be useful in applying different operating and support concepts in order to arrive at the most cost effective squadron concept. For this purpose, a squadron operations and maintenance concept was developed to demonstrate the utility of the model. Finally, several cost variables were examined to show their impact on total O & S costs as they were varied over a range of values. (Author)