A Preliminary Cost Analysis of the Communications Processor for the F-15 Joint Tactical Information Distribution System.
Abstract
Budget restraints over the past several years have caused the Department of Defense to take a closer look at the new systems that it requires. Emphasis has been placed on not just the initial cost but the entire life cycle of the system. The Air Force has initiated several studies and projects aimed at reducing the total cost of new aircraft avionic systems. This thesis presents a preliminary analysis of the costs involved in acquiring and supporting a communications processor for the F-15 Joint Tactical Information Distribution System terminal. The characteristics of a digital computer are examined from a historical management perspective as well as the enginering design considerations. Two designs are presented: one is based on the current F-15 central computer while the other is based on current microcomputer technology. The software development and hardware procurement costs are estimated for each design, and the cost impact of the designs on several logistic support costs is also discussed. An analysis of these costs indicates that the microcomputer design would be the least costly of the two designs. Lower hardware procurement costs coupled with lower maintenance costs make the microcomputer design most attractive alternate for implementation into the F-15 JTIDS terminal. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA027365
Entities
People
- William Francis Gaumer
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology