OPTIMIZING THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF EXTENDING EFFECTIVE MILITARY AIRCRAFT SERVICE LIFE
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Authors
Buchanan, Kevin P.
Subjects
SLEP
service life extension program
aircraft replacement
optimization
service life extension program
aircraft replacement
optimization
Advisors
Van Bossuyt, Douglas L.
Eisenberg, Daniel
Date of Issue
2023-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Service life extension programs (SLEPs) are becoming increasingly required for United States military aircraft. Aircraft platforms are often expected to operate for longer than their intended operational life as new weapon systems become delayed in development and deployment. Traditionally, a SLEP extends service life via airframe structural modifications or parts replacements to combat fatigue. However, depending on the life extension timeline and required aircraft quantities, it may become more cost effective to meet operational requirements by purchasing newly produced aircraft. This study develops an integer quadratic program to identify optimal life extension decisions via repairing and replacing aircraft. The objective of the model is to minimize the costs incurred to meet fleet requirements over a planning time horizon. The model is used to determine an optimal repair and replace schedule for the F/A-18E/F fleet. Results indicate that a hybrid plan, including both repair and replace decisions, is optimal for the Super Hornets, driven by compounding operations and maintenance costs incurred on older aircraft. Sensitivity analysis on key parameters such as increased service life per repair and repair cost further influence costs incurred during SLEP. This work produces a platform-agnostic decision model that can be used to aid program managers and systems engineers in defining program requirements to meet operational needs until new development platforms can be fielded.
Type
Thesis
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Series/Report No
Department
Systems Engineering (SE)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.