Frontier Technology, Inc., was recently awarded a $750,000 research contract to assist the Air Force with improvements in its logistics analysis capabilities. For many years, tools such as the Logistics Composite Model (LCOM) have been the primary logistics analysis tool for the Air Force. LCOM is a Monte Carlo Simulation model, used to define the interaction of maintenance, operations and supply functions for any type of system (mechanical, electronic or weapon system). The model can and has been used to develop and analyze baseline comparison systems, perform tradeoffs and evaluations, and examine the interaction of the various logistics support elements related to a system.

Tools such as LCOM are maintained and operated by the Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force and are important assets in understanding and resolving weapon system support issues for new and modified systems. An analysis using LCOM may vary widely, but typically, the objective would be to identify the logistics resources to support a weapon system under specified operational conditions, including aircraft sortie rates, maintenance and supply policies, and spares quantities. Logistics resources can include manpower, spare parts, support equipment or facilities. The flexibility and features of LCOM are designed for assessing the impact of resources and conditions on the performance of the aircraft, which makes this model well suited for application during weapons system acquisition.

The complexity associated with numerous data conversion programs, input files, preprocessor programs, simulation programs, temporary or intermediate files, post-processor programs, and output files leads to inefficiencies and potential errors in managing the many inputs, outputs and results. In addition, the number of available, qualified analysts has diminished while the amount of time needed to train new analysts in the use of complex modeling tools and simulations has remained the same, if not increased, due to the ever-increasing complexity of weapon system and support system designs.

FTI believes these functional deficiencies have a very real potential to reduce significantly the capabilities and effectiveness of analysts and thus decrease the Air Force’s ability to analyze logistics issues related to its weapon systems and to reduce the support costs of the systems.

To improve the analysts’ productivity and enable analysts to manage an on-going study effectively and with less potential for error, FTI will develop logistics analysis tools into an Integrated Suite. The integrated suite will provide a repeatable, structured, and integrated decision-making process and will resolve current functional deficiencies. The “suite” will address functional and study-management issues, while maintaining an ability to use the previous user interface for those who prefer the older, traditional interface with the model and its elements.

FTI’s planned two-year development will provide a robust, integrated simulation suite including the following capabilities and features:

• An effective graphical user interface that provides productivity improvements by reducing the time and effort required to create realistic and accurate logistics models or databases for individual weapon systems.
• A powerful data visualization and manipulation capability that reduces study setup, sensitivity and execution times.
• A configuration control mechanism for data files to ensure data integrity.
• Automated scanning of large-volume output files to identify quickly any error messages from the simulation or output modules.
• A self-documenting data file structure to enable rapid and repeatable re-creation of previous analyses to examine sensitivities or “what-if” exercises.
• Improvements to the Graphical Network Editor to incorporate new functional changes in the simulation capability.

Logistics analysis tools are an important, current capability, being used on a daily basis. This research effort by FTI will improve logistics analysis capability in the near term and help improve sustainment issues for current systems and systems currently in development.

Cleared for Public Release by AFRL/WS Public Affairs -- Disposition Date: 8/15/2007 #AFRL-WS 07-1873