The Cutting Edge: A Half Century of U.S. Fighter Aircraft R&D
Abstract
Past and ongoing RAND research indicates that experience; i.e., the steady buildup and maintenance of expertise over time through constant learning by doing, is critical in the cost effective design and development of successful military aircraft. This proposition is, however, still subject to some debate; given its critical importance for choosing correct policies, more evidence on it would be very valuable. For example, achieving a better understanding of the role of experience in military aircraft R&D is crucial for determining how to maintain a viable U.S. industrial base for the future in an era of declining R&D budgets, few new program starts, and industry contraction. This book, and a companion document that concentrates on bomber R&D, analyze the role of experience in combat aircraft R&D through a systematic review of the historical record from the early 1940s to the present of the major prime contractors in developing new fighter and bomber aircraft, using openly available published sources. This research complements and supports other theoretical and historical research reported elsewhere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA354082
Entities
People
- Hugh P. Levaux
- Mark A. Lorell
Organizations
- RAND Corporation