A unique prototyping concept for missile and aviation weapon systems

Abstract

This thesis is a case study into the development of a unique prototyping concept to support aviation and missile weapon system requirements. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command has an electrical and mechanical prototyping capability that has existed for twenty-five years, but has been geographically and functionally separated. These capabilities have been integrated both functionally and geographically, into the Prototype Integration Facility, Building 5405, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Aviation and missile program managers are faced with the increased challenge to acquire materiel in a in a more cost effective, timely manner. The Prototype Integration Facility (PIF) concept builds off the foundation of the existing base of prototyping experience, but integrates unique business principles to form a creative, powerful concept to assist aviation and missile program managers in their quest to rapidly provide materiel to the warfighter. The primary tenants of the PIF concept include the leveraging of existing Governmental and industrial capabilities to provide a cost effective alternative for program managers to utilize. The PIF concept utilizes a ten-year, $1 .1 billion contract, to leverage the capabilities of original equipment manufacturers, capability-specific companies and small businesses. Since implementation of the PIF concept in June 2002, an influx of $1 8 million of aviation and missile prototyping business has been achieved.