A Model of the effect of sparing and repair turnaround time of the inertial navigation system on aircraft readiness for the F/A-18.

Abstract

Modern aircraft design allows for short turnaround times by removing the failed component and installing an operational one. The defective component is then either repaired in the squadron or turned in to supply which then sends the defective component to an Intermediate Maintenance Activity (IMA) for repair. The aircraft is unable to be turned around for another flight if supply is out of stock of that component without resorting to additional maintenance measures. This is when aircraft readiness experiences a measurable deterioration due to supply not having the part on hand. Aircraft readiness, as defined in this thesis, is the ability of a specific F/A-18 to perform all of its missions. A simulation model which measures the time that an aircraft is not ready (downtime) was developed to relate the turnaround time at the IMA and the quantity of spare parts maintained by the supply system to this lack of readiness. The model developed showed that a decrease in the turnaround time of a part at the IMA, the increase in quantity of spare parts maintained by the supply system cause a nonlinear reduction in aircraft readiness. This model could be used to aid decision makers in determining the effect changes in spare parts quantities and IMA turnaround times could have on aircraft readiness.