Management of Aircraft Modification Programs In The Army, Navy, and Air Force
Abstract
Each of the military services has a similar system and similar procedures for managing aircraft modifications. These are part of a Department of Defense (DOD) system known as configuration management. Configuration management is described in DOD Directive 5010.9, dated July 17, 1968, and guidance for implementing it is in DOD Instruction 5010.21, dated August 6, 1968. Aircraft modification programs represent about 70 percent of the total dollars DOD spent for weapons modifications. Modification means changing an item to make it work better or more safely or to make it able to do something additional. Modifications are planned for installation at (1) the user or organizational level, (2) the intermediate level, or (3) the depot level. Most aircraft modifications are done at the depot Level while the aircraft undergo periodic repair or overhaul. Sometimes contractors or special field teams handle the depot-level modifications. The level at which installation is done usually depends on the complexity of the modification in terms of man-hours and equipment needed. Each service has a configuration status accounting system which identifies the completed and outstanding modifications by modification number and the serial number of the item being modified. Usually there is a separate reporting or accounting system for aircraft, engines, and components. Modifications are described in published documents: the Army uses a modification work order (MWO), the Navy a technical directive (TD), and the Air Force a time compliance technical order (TCTO). These documents identify the item; the number of man-hours required; the skills, special tools, and materiels needed; and the planned completion date of the installation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD1121947
Entities
People
- Elmer B. Staats
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office