The A-7 ALOFT cost model : a study of high technology cost estimating

Abstract

This analytical study contains the development of an appropriate life cycle cost (LCC) model for the A-7 Airborne Light Optical Fiber Technology (ALOFT) system as defined in the Naval Electronics Laboratory Center Technical Document 435. The model was developed to support an A-7 ALOFT economic analysis which will compare the total systems costs and performance benefits of an A-7 fiber optic linked navigation and weapons delivery system to existing or proposed wire interconnect designs. Major features of this study include the development of: (1) a process to derive cost estimates of a high technological development in the early conceptual stage, (2) an appropriate LCC model for the A-7 ALOFT economic analysis, and (3) fiber optic costing methodology to support the LCC analysis. This analysis is a follow-on study to "An Approach to the Estimation of Life Cycle Costs of a Fiber Optic Application in Military Aircraft" by J. M. McGrath and K. R. Michna which is recommended reading for background information essential to this study.