Test and Evaluation Trends and Costs for Aircraft and Guided Weapons

Test and Evaluation Trends and Costs for Aircraft and Guided Weapons

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

As military systems have become more complex, testing has become more time consuming and costly. A number of efficiencies have been proposed and implemented, such as increasing use of modeling and simulation and combining developmental and operational testing. How have these approaches worked in practice? And do traditional metrics for estimating the cost of testing still apply? This study addressed these issues by examining system-level testing for selected fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and guided munitions programs. The actual times and costs appear to be largely in step with the increasing complexity of the systems and test programs, so the proportion of development costs that the testing represents has not changed markedly. Although the available data are not sufficient to isolate the effects of discrete initiatives, some, such as modeling and simulation and combined testing, have empirically demonstrated their value on a variety of programs. The authors provide cost estimating methodologies and reference information on the programs they studied.


Book Synopsis Test and Evaluation Trends and Costs for Aircraft and Guided Weapons by :

Download or read book Test and Evaluation Trends and Costs for Aircraft and Guided Weapons written by and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As military systems have become more complex, testing has become more time consuming and costly. A number of efficiencies have been proposed and implemented, such as increasing use of modeling and simulation and combining developmental and operational testing. How have these approaches worked in practice? And do traditional metrics for estimating the cost of testing still apply? This study addressed these issues by examining system-level testing for selected fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and guided munitions programs. The actual times and costs appear to be largely in step with the increasing complexity of the systems and test programs, so the proportion of development costs that the testing represents has not changed markedly. Although the available data are not sufficient to isolate the effects of discrete initiatives, some, such as modeling and simulation and combined testing, have empirically demonstrated their value on a variety of programs. The authors provide cost estimating methodologies and reference information on the programs they studied.

Test and Evaluation Trends and Costs for Aircraft and Guided Weapons

Test and Evaluation Trends and Costs for Aircraft and Guided Weapons

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

As military systems have become more complex, testing has become more time consuming and costly. A number of efficiencies have been proposed and implemented, such as increasing use of modeling and simulation and combining developmental and operational testing. How have these approaches worked in practice? And do traditional metrics for estimating the cost of testing still apply? This study addressed these issues by examining system-level testing for selected fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and guided munitions programs. The actual times and costs appear to be largely in step with the increasing complexity of the systems and test programs, so the proportion of development costs that the testing represents has not changed markedly. Although the available data are not sufficient to isolate the effects of discrete initiatives, some, such as modeling and simulation and combined testing, have empirically demonstrated their value on a variety of programs. The authors provide cost estimating methodologies and reference information on the programs they studied.


Book Synopsis Test and Evaluation Trends and Costs for Aircraft and Guided Weapons by :

Download or read book Test and Evaluation Trends and Costs for Aircraft and Guided Weapons written by and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As military systems have become more complex, testing has become more time consuming and costly. A number of efficiencies have been proposed and implemented, such as increasing use of modeling and simulation and combining developmental and operational testing. How have these approaches worked in practice? And do traditional metrics for estimating the cost of testing still apply? This study addressed these issues by examining system-level testing for selected fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and guided munitions programs. The actual times and costs appear to be largely in step with the increasing complexity of the systems and test programs, so the proportion of development costs that the testing represents has not changed markedly. Although the available data are not sufficient to isolate the effects of discrete initiatives, some, such as modeling and simulation and combined testing, have empirically demonstrated their value on a variety of programs. The authors provide cost estimating methodologies and reference information on the programs they studied.

Systems Engineering and Program Management

Systems Engineering and Program Management

Author: David E. Stem

Publisher: Rand Corporation

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 211

ISBN-13: 0833038729

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Systems engineering and program management (SE/PM) constitute a large portion of the acquisition cost of military aircraft and guided weapons systems. The goal of this study was the development of a set of cost-estimating relationships that can be used to estimate the SE/PM cost element for development and production of aircraft and weapons programs. The authors canvassed government and industry personnel to learn about current techniques for estimating SE/PM costs, and they collected historical data from several aircraft and weapons programs to investigate trends in SE/PM costs over time and to generate methods that cost analysts can use early in the life cycle of a program when little cost information is available. The authors also investigated the effects on SE/PM costs from acquisition reform, including the reduction in the number of military specifications and standards, the use of integrated product and process teams, and the trend toward "evolutionary acquisition." This product is part of the RAND Corporation monograph series. RAND monographs present major research findings that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND monographs undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity. Book jacket.


Book Synopsis Systems Engineering and Program Management by : David E. Stem

Download or read book Systems Engineering and Program Management written by David E. Stem and published by Rand Corporation. This book was released on 2006 with total page 211 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Systems engineering and program management (SE/PM) constitute a large portion of the acquisition cost of military aircraft and guided weapons systems. The goal of this study was the development of a set of cost-estimating relationships that can be used to estimate the SE/PM cost element for development and production of aircraft and weapons programs. The authors canvassed government and industry personnel to learn about current techniques for estimating SE/PM costs, and they collected historical data from several aircraft and weapons programs to investigate trends in SE/PM costs over time and to generate methods that cost analysts can use early in the life cycle of a program when little cost information is available. The authors also investigated the effects on SE/PM costs from acquisition reform, including the reduction in the number of military specifications and standards, the use of integrated product and process teams, and the trend toward "evolutionary acquisition." This product is part of the RAND Corporation monograph series. RAND monographs present major research findings that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND monographs undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity. Book jacket.

Historical Cost Growth of Completed Weapon System Programs

Historical Cost Growth of Completed Weapon System Programs

Author: Mark V. Arena

Publisher: Rand Corporation

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 74

ISBN-13: 0833039253

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This report is one of a series from a RAND Project AIR FORCE project, "The Cost of Future Military Aircraft: Historical Cost Estimating Relationships and Cost Reduction Initiatives." The purpose of the project is to improve the tools used to estimate the costs of future weapon systems. It focuses on how recent technical, management, and government policy changes affect cost. This report focuses on the accuracy of cost estimates. For our analysis, we used a very specific sample of Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) data, namely only programs that are complete or are nearly so. The analysis indicates a systematic bias toward underestimating the costs and substantial uncertainty in estimating the final cost of a weapon system. In contrast to the previous literature, the cost growth was higher than previously observed. We also found few correlations with cost growth, but observed that programs with longer duration had greater cost growth and electronics programs tended to have lower cost growth. Although there were some differences in the mean cost growth factors among the military departments, the differences were not statistically significant. While newer programs appear to have lower cost growth, this trend appears to be due to factors other than acquisition policies.


Book Synopsis Historical Cost Growth of Completed Weapon System Programs by : Mark V. Arena

Download or read book Historical Cost Growth of Completed Weapon System Programs written by Mark V. Arena and published by Rand Corporation. This book was released on 2006 with total page 74 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report is one of a series from a RAND Project AIR FORCE project, "The Cost of Future Military Aircraft: Historical Cost Estimating Relationships and Cost Reduction Initiatives." The purpose of the project is to improve the tools used to estimate the costs of future weapon systems. It focuses on how recent technical, management, and government policy changes affect cost. This report focuses on the accuracy of cost estimates. For our analysis, we used a very specific sample of Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) data, namely only programs that are complete or are nearly so. The analysis indicates a systematic bias toward underestimating the costs and substantial uncertainty in estimating the final cost of a weapon system. In contrast to the previous literature, the cost growth was higher than previously observed. We also found few correlations with cost growth, but observed that programs with longer duration had greater cost growth and electronics programs tended to have lower cost growth. Although there were some differences in the mean cost growth factors among the military departments, the differences were not statistically significant. While newer programs appear to have lower cost growth, this trend appears to be due to factors other than acquisition policies.

Sources of Weapon System Cost Growth

Sources of Weapon System Cost Growth

Author: Joseph George Bolten

Publisher: Rand Corporation

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 117

ISBN-13: 0833042890

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Previous studies have shown that the Department of Defense (DoD) and the military departments have historically underestimated the cost of new weapon systems. Quantifying cost growth is important, but the larger issue is why cost growth occurs. To address that issue, this analysis uses data from Selected Acquisition Reports to examine 35 mature, but not necessarily complete, major defense acquisition programs similar to the type and complexity of those typically managed by the Air Force. The programs are first examined as a complete set, then Air Force and non-Air Force programs are analyzed separately to determine whether the causes of cost growth in the two groups differ. Four major sources of cost growth were identified: (1) errors in estimation and scheduling, (2) decisions made by the government, (3) financial matters, and (4) miscellaneous sources. Total (development plus procurement) cost growth, when measured as simple averages among the program set, is dominated by decisions, which account for more than two-thirds of the growth. Most decisions-related cost growth involves quantity changes (22 percent), requirements growth (13 percent), and schedule changes (9 percent). Cost estimation (10 percent) is the only large contributor in the errors category. Less than 4 percent of the overall cost growth is due to financial and miscellaneous causes. Because decisions involving changes in requirements, quantities, and production schedules dominate cost growth, program managers, service leadership, and Congress should look for ways to reduce changes in these areas.


Book Synopsis Sources of Weapon System Cost Growth by : Joseph George Bolten

Download or read book Sources of Weapon System Cost Growth written by Joseph George Bolten and published by Rand Corporation. This book was released on 2008 with total page 117 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Previous studies have shown that the Department of Defense (DoD) and the military departments have historically underestimated the cost of new weapon systems. Quantifying cost growth is important, but the larger issue is why cost growth occurs. To address that issue, this analysis uses data from Selected Acquisition Reports to examine 35 mature, but not necessarily complete, major defense acquisition programs similar to the type and complexity of those typically managed by the Air Force. The programs are first examined as a complete set, then Air Force and non-Air Force programs are analyzed separately to determine whether the causes of cost growth in the two groups differ. Four major sources of cost growth were identified: (1) errors in estimation and scheduling, (2) decisions made by the government, (3) financial matters, and (4) miscellaneous sources. Total (development plus procurement) cost growth, when measured as simple averages among the program set, is dominated by decisions, which account for more than two-thirds of the growth. Most decisions-related cost growth involves quantity changes (22 percent), requirements growth (13 percent), and schedule changes (9 percent). Cost estimation (10 percent) is the only large contributor in the errors category. Less than 4 percent of the overall cost growth is due to financial and miscellaneous causes. Because decisions involving changes in requirements, quantities, and production schedules dominate cost growth, program managers, service leadership, and Congress should look for ways to reduce changes in these areas.

Impossible Certainty

Impossible Certainty

Author:

Publisher: Rand Corporation

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13: 083303863X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This report is one of a series from a RAND Project AIR FORCE project, "The Cost of Future Military Aircraft: Historical Cost Estimating Relationships and Cost Reduction Initiatives."


Book Synopsis Impossible Certainty by :

Download or read book Impossible Certainty written by and published by Rand Corporation. This book was released on 2006 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report is one of a series from a RAND Project AIR FORCE project, "The Cost of Future Military Aircraft: Historical Cost Estimating Relationships and Cost Reduction Initiatives."

Is Weapon System Cost Growth Increasing?

Is Weapon System Cost Growth Increasing?

Author: Obaid Younossi

Publisher: Rand Corporation

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 142

ISBN-13: 0833041355

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In recent decades, there have been numerous attempts to rein in the cost growth of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition programs. Cost growth is the ratio of the cost estimate reported in a program's final Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) and the cost-estimate baseline reported in a prior SAR issued at a particular milestone. Drawing on prior RAND research, new analyses of completed and ongoing weapon system programs, and data drawn from SARs, this study addresses the following questions: What is the cost growth of DoD weapon systems? What has been the trend of cost growth over the past three decades? To address the magnitude of cost growth, it examines cost growth in completed programs; to evaluate the cost growth trend over time, it provides additional analysis of a selection of ongoing programs. This sample of ongoing programs permits a look at growth trends in the more recent past. Changes in the mix of system types over time and dollar-weighted analysis were also considered because earlier studies have suggested that cost growth varies by program type and the cost of the program. The findings suggest that development cost growth over the past three decades has remained high and without any significant improvement.


Book Synopsis Is Weapon System Cost Growth Increasing? by : Obaid Younossi

Download or read book Is Weapon System Cost Growth Increasing? written by Obaid Younossi and published by Rand Corporation. This book was released on 2007 with total page 142 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent decades, there have been numerous attempts to rein in the cost growth of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition programs. Cost growth is the ratio of the cost estimate reported in a program's final Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) and the cost-estimate baseline reported in a prior SAR issued at a particular milestone. Drawing on prior RAND research, new analyses of completed and ongoing weapon system programs, and data drawn from SARs, this study addresses the following questions: What is the cost growth of DoD weapon systems? What has been the trend of cost growth over the past three decades? To address the magnitude of cost growth, it examines cost growth in completed programs; to evaluate the cost growth trend over time, it provides additional analysis of a selection of ongoing programs. This sample of ongoing programs permits a look at growth trends in the more recent past. Changes in the mix of system types over time and dollar-weighted analysis were also considered because earlier studies have suggested that cost growth varies by program type and the cost of the program. The findings suggest that development cost growth over the past three decades has remained high and without any significant improvement.

Software Cost Estimation and Sizing Methods

Software Cost Estimation and Sizing Methods

Author: Shari Lawrence Pfleeger

Publisher: Rand Corporation

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 132

ISBN-13: 9780833037138

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Recommends an approach to improving the utility and accuracy of software cost estimates by exposing uncertainty (in understanding the project) and reducing the risks associated with developing the estimates. The approach focuses on characteristics of the estimation process (such as which methods and models are most appropriate for a given situation) and the nature of the data used (such as software size), describing symptoms and warning signs of risk in each factor, and risk-mitigation strategies.


Book Synopsis Software Cost Estimation and Sizing Methods by : Shari Lawrence Pfleeger

Download or read book Software Cost Estimation and Sizing Methods written by Shari Lawrence Pfleeger and published by Rand Corporation. This book was released on 2005 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Recommends an approach to improving the utility and accuracy of software cost estimates by exposing uncertainty (in understanding the project) and reducing the risks associated with developing the estimates. The approach focuses on characteristics of the estimation process (such as which methods and models are most appropriate for a given situation) and the nature of the data used (such as software size), describing symptoms and warning signs of risk in each factor, and risk-mitigation strategies.

Evolving Toolbox for Complex Project Management

Evolving Toolbox for Complex Project Management

Author: Alex Gorod

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2019-10-30

Total Pages: 695

ISBN-13: 042958928X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book enhances learning about complex project management principles and practices through the introduction and discussion of a portfolio of tools presented as an evolving toolbox. Throughout the book, industry practitioners examine the toolsets that are part of the toolbox to develop a broader understanding of complex project management challenges and the available tools to address them. This approach establishes a dynamic, structured platform for a comprehensive analysis and assessment of the modern, rapidly changing, multifaceted business environment to teach the next generation of project managers to successfully cope with the ever increasing complexity of the 21st century.


Book Synopsis Evolving Toolbox for Complex Project Management by : Alex Gorod

Download or read book Evolving Toolbox for Complex Project Management written by Alex Gorod and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2019-10-30 with total page 695 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book enhances learning about complex project management principles and practices through the introduction and discussion of a portfolio of tools presented as an evolving toolbox. Throughout the book, industry practitioners examine the toolsets that are part of the toolbox to develop a broader understanding of complex project management challenges and the available tools to address them. This approach establishes a dynamic, structured platform for a comprehensive analysis and assessment of the modern, rapidly changing, multifaceted business environment to teach the next generation of project managers to successfully cope with the ever increasing complexity of the 21st century.

Operations Research for Military Organizations

Operations Research for Military Organizations

Author: Tozan, Hakan

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2018-07-27

Total Pages: 445

ISBN-13: 1522555145

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The study of operations research arose during World War II to enhance the effectiveness of weapons and equipment used on the battlefield. Since then, operations research techniques have also been used to solve several sophisticated and complex defense-related problems. Operations Research for Military Organizations is a critical scholarly resource that examines the issues that have an impact on aspects of contemporary quantitative applications of operations research methods in the military. It also addresses innovative applications, techniques, and methodologies to assist in solving defense and military-related problems. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as combat planning, tactical decision aids, and weapon system simulations, this book is geared towards defense contractors, military consultants, military personnel, policy makers, and government departments seeking current research on defense methodologies.


Book Synopsis Operations Research for Military Organizations by : Tozan, Hakan

Download or read book Operations Research for Military Organizations written by Tozan, Hakan and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2018-07-27 with total page 445 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The study of operations research arose during World War II to enhance the effectiveness of weapons and equipment used on the battlefield. Since then, operations research techniques have also been used to solve several sophisticated and complex defense-related problems. Operations Research for Military Organizations is a critical scholarly resource that examines the issues that have an impact on aspects of contemporary quantitative applications of operations research methods in the military. It also addresses innovative applications, techniques, and methodologies to assist in solving defense and military-related problems. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as combat planning, tactical decision aids, and weapon system simulations, this book is geared towards defense contractors, military consultants, military personnel, policy makers, and government departments seeking current research on defense methodologies.