Systems Engineering
System Engineering and The Air Force KC-X Replacement Effort
James Weselek
AVIA 5543
Systems Engineering For Logistics
Outline
I. Abstract
II. Introduction a. Capabilities b. History of the tanker
III. Customer Needs
IV. State the Problem
V. Investigate Alternatives
VI. Model the System a. Boeing b. Northrop Grumman
VII. Assess Performance
VII. Final Decision (sort of)
Abstract In the late 1990s – early 2000s the United States Air Force decided to replace its fleet of KC-135s. Initially the first batch of replacements was to be an air tanker version of the Boeing 767, which was selected over the Airbus A-330 based tanker. This contract fell through due to some controversies regarding the original leasing rather than an outright purchase of these aircraft. In 2006 the USAF released a request for proposal once again for the KC-X which was to be selected in 2007. On 29 February 2008 the Department of Defense announced that it had selected the Northrop Grumman KC-45A over the Boeing KC-767 as the new tanker replacement. Systems Engineering is a process that ensures that the customers needs are satisfied through a systems entire life cycle. The customer in this study is the United States Air Force. In the competition between Boeing and Northrop Grumman for the right to produce America’s next air tanker, I will show examples of the different system engineering steps that are used to satisfy the needs of the Air Force.
Introduction The term “System Engineering “is a process that ensures the customers’ needs are satisfied through a systems’ entire life. The customer in this paper is the United States Air Force. In a competition between Boeing and Northrop Grumman for the right to produce America’s next air tanker I will show examples of the different system engineering steps that are used to satisfy the needs of the Air Force. Aerial refueling aircraft are key to air
James Weselek
AVIA 5543
Systems Engineering For Logistics
Outline
I. Abstract
II. Introduction a. Capabilities b. History of the tanker
III. Customer Needs
IV. State the Problem
V. Investigate Alternatives
VI. Model the System a. Boeing b. Northrop Grumman
VII. Assess Performance
VII. Final Decision (sort of)
Abstract In the late 1990s – early 2000s the United States Air Force decided to replace its fleet of KC-135s. Initially the first batch of replacements was to be an air tanker version of the Boeing 767, which was selected over the Airbus A-330 based tanker. This contract fell through due to some controversies regarding the original leasing rather than an outright purchase of these aircraft. In 2006 the USAF released a request for proposal once again for the KC-X which was to be selected in 2007. On 29 February 2008 the Department of Defense announced that it had selected the Northrop Grumman KC-45A over the Boeing KC-767 as the new tanker replacement. Systems Engineering is a process that ensures that the customers needs are satisfied through a systems entire life cycle. The customer in this study is the United States Air Force. In the competition between Boeing and Northrop Grumman for the right to produce America’s next air tanker, I will show examples of the different system engineering steps that are used to satisfy the needs of the Air Force.
Introduction The term “System Engineering “is a process that ensures the customers’ needs are satisfied through a systems’ entire life. The customer in this paper is the United States Air Force. In a competition between Boeing and Northrop Grumman for the right to produce America’s next air tanker I will show examples of the different system engineering steps that are used to satisfy the needs of the Air Force. Aerial refueling aircraft are key to air
References: 1. Northrop Grumman KC-45: Why We Won Key Selection Criteria, retrieved from www.nothropgrumman.com/kc45, June 27, 2008 2 3. Wikipedia, Northrop Grumman KC-45, retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_Grumman_KC-45, June 27, 2008 4 [7] Gulf War Air power Survey Summary Report, 1993 [8] Ibid