Weapon System Design Simulation

System Program Offices (SPOs) and System Managers at Air Logistics Centers (ALCs) have a need to evaluate design alternatives and quantify life cycle costs. Most development opportunities seek to increase operational capability, correct a known problem and/or increase reliability. Each design alternative carries with it life cycle cost implications which include the cost of logistics and maintenance. A tool is needed which will provide these program offices with ways to evaluate these alternatives before monies are spent on acquisition. KLSS proposes to develop a design prediction model that can support SPO logisticians in evaluating various design decision alternatives for new weapon systems and for upgrading existing weapon system components. The tool will utilize the latest technology and, when applicable, COTS and existing tools, and be built with enough flexibility to evaluate alternatives at any level of fidelity needed. The tool will allow for the evaluation of the impact of design alternatives on logistics and maintenance requirements, as well as the impact of logistics resource availability on the design requirements. KLSS proposes to use our existing simulation model, SIMFORCE, in Phase I to provide initial information on the impact of design alternatives on operational and maintenance needs.