download pdf version

Introduction Have you ever tried to find a floor-mounted dimmer switch for a 1962 Volkswagen Beetle? If finding parts to restore a 44-year-old car seems like a challenge, imagine what the U.S. Air Force has to go through to maintain a fleet of 65 B-52 strategic bombers. Although the last B-52 rolled off the assembly line in 1962, these aircraft are expected to remain operational through 2040—an operational life of nearly 80 years! Like classic car owners, the Department of Defense faces diminishing manufacturing sources and out-of-production parts (DMS/OP) for aging aircraft, ships, vehicles, missiles and other systems. Today, replacement parts have to be manufactured to 20-to-40-year-old specifications at costs significantly higher than the original or totally re-engineered at an even greater expense. Today The DoD also faces the challenge of advancing technology: How does it keep these platforms mission-capable into the future, especially in an era of rapidly developing technology and shifting threats. Several lessons have emerged from the Armed Forces' recent experiences with weapons systems: The operational lives of new systems must span decades—typically 40 or more years. There must be a plan to support these systems in spite of diminishing manufacturing sources. Planners must predict technology advances and plan upgrades—in effect, preparing to refresh onboard technologies with future capabilities that have not yet been designed. As a result of these lessons, the DoD now requires prime contractors to establish Design-to-Disposal (D2D) maintenance support and operational technology refresh programs for new weapons systems. "Technology refresh" is the periodic replacement of custom-built and commercial-off-the-shelf components to ensure continued supportability and mission operability throughout each system's service life. RTSS The Real-Time Supportability System (RTSS) — significantly enhanced with several innovative ATL technologies — offers realistic, comprehensive, distributed, practical D2D management processes, tools, and information management technology for all stakeholders— system designers and manufacturers, users, planners, and vendors—so they can manage day-to-day support activities and anticipate refresh programs as a comprehensive, integrated process. Recent Developments As part of RTSS, ATL developed the Product Manager Frame. The PMF is a management tool that provides multiple views of a product structure including design, function, and cost. The PMF assures less duplication and rework, more affordable designs, complete configuration management services, and a collaborative, distributed engineering environment. A second feature, ATL's Attribute Wizard, provides the capability to automate generation of custom attribute — descriptions of — data sets such a parts lists, engineering drawings, and specification databases. These and other relevant data sets, including those from legacy data bases, can be integrated into a RTSS structure and be ready to use in a matter of days. ATL is currently working with Lockheed Martin Tactical Systems to apply RTSS to the ANY/UYQ-70 (Q-70) computing, display and networking equipment for Navy applications. RTSS will help the program identify, monitor, and accelerate introduction of leading edge technologies into the US Navy fleet to meet program requirements. The challenges of D2D directly impact the profitability of Lockheed Martin. Applying the product management tools of RTSS to both new and ongoing programs is a proactive step in providing maximum value to our customers.