United States Air Force Computer-Aided Acquisition & Logistics Support (CALS): CAD/CAM/CAE Current and Future Environment (1988 - 1998). Version 3.0

Abstract

The diffusion and adoption of new technologies across national, sectoral, and organizational boundaries has been a topic of considerable research. While the exact transfer mechanism remains a matter of hypothesis, it seem clear that the direction and speed of technology development and penetration is heavily impacted by environmental influences--be they organizational, macroeconomic, or microeconomic. This section of the report examines key aspects of the current and projected future environment which could influence either the direction or pace of CAD/CAM/CAE technology development or the adoption of these technologies by the U.S. Air Force. Most of the discussion will center around issues relevant to the Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC), except where noted. Structured in six sections, the report compares and contrasts the aerospace industry with the Air Force for perspective and balance. Sections 2.0 and 3.0 contrast the respective current design and manufacturing environments. Section 4.0 examines associated procurements, prototyping, and R and D programs that could have significant impacts on the evolutionary path followed by both sectors. Sections 5.0 and 6.0 extrapolate into the future by examining future weapon system technologies and the plans of industry and the Air Force to respond to the growing technological challenge.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA242305

Entities

Organizations

  • John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Biomedical
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Aerospace Industry
  • Air Force
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Control Systems
  • Engineers
  • Information Processing
  • Information Systems
  • Logistics
  • Manufacturing
  • Operating Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Test Equipment
  • Turbines
  • Weapon Systems

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Economics

Technology Areas

  • Space