Potential for Broader DoD Use of Commercial Turbine Engine Acquisition Practices and Processes.
Abstract
Seeking ways to reduce military aircraft expenditures, IDA investigated the potential for expanded military use of commercial acquisition practices and processes to acquire and maintain aircraft turbine engines. This commercial acquisition process includes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification procedure for aircraft turbine engines. IDA reviewed the extent to which commercial engines can meet military aircraft application requirements. The review compared commercial aircraft turbine engine acquisition practices and processes to those used by the military. Past use of commercial subsonic turbine engines in military transport and similar utility aircraft has clearly shown that commercial practices and processes can be used successfully to develop and produce engines for subsonic military applications. However, the examination of the technical requirements for subsonic and supersonic aircraft engines found several design differences. IDA recommends that (1) DoD retain the present military turbine engine development process for supersonic military fighter/attack aircraft, and (2) DoD engine procurement procedures be streamlined by incorporation of the proven compatible commercial aircraft engine acquisition processes for subsonic transport, tankers, unmanned air vehicles, utility aircraft, and selected bomber applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA344847
Entities
People
- Bernard L. Retterer
- J. R. Nelson
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses