AH-1W Attack Helicopter Maintenance/Manpower Reduction

As the USMC continues to field the AH-1W, it must ensure that maintenance; processes, manpower, skill levels, training and documentation will support operational flying hour requirements into the 21st Century. The dilemma clearly recognized by AH-1W program managers is the requirement to properly maintain a growing fleet of aircrat under constrained budgets and anticipated reductions in manpower. Maintenance is a manpower intensive activity and reductions in manpower, unless anticipated and provided for, will result in an unacceptable reduction in material readiness and warfighting capability. There are two areas in which this reduction in manpower might be effectively countered; the application of automation to the maintenance process, and improvments in training. There are four general areas in which the proper application of microcoprocessor technology (automation) can improve the maintenance proecess: workload reduction, error reduction, incresed productivity, and the adding of new capabilities. Application of htis same technology can also be beneficially applied to training resulting in improved training while at the same time realizing an overall reduction in training requirements and time. The combined effect of these benefits is improved maintenance with a concurrent reduction in the manpower required.