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| OIF (3 Operator Configuration)
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Introduction
The A2C2S Configuration Program requires the integration of advanced technology improvements into the Army’s A2C2S system, those in the field, those in process and those planned through fiscal year 2008. The Configuration Program is structured in several phases to be sequentially executed during calendar years 2004 to 2008.
In the A2C2S current Configuration Program JVYS proposed to finalize the changing the 5 operator version to the current modular 3 seat design, complete the airworthiness qualification process, establish the necessary network infrastructure and fabricate, configure and field up to twelve (12) A2C2S modular aircraft and fielded with the requisite technical publications and sustaining base. Also, a Developmental Test (DT) aircraft is to be upgraded to a fully modular, re-configurable four (4) workstation (1 each) aircraft.
Understanding the Requirement
During execution of the basic A2C2S 1.0 Program starting in 2004 and commencing the A2C2S Modular Version Program, JVYS gained extensive insight and technical knowledge into operational requirements and performance capabilities of A2C2S. We have developed the management, engineering and functional skill base to understand what is needed and perform every function required by A2C2S, i.e. plan, schedule, design, fabricate, integrate, operate, test and field. In anticipating unknowns, where skill or labor shortfalls might exist, we have qualified sources, and can purchase supplemental support, if exigencies warrant.
Program Approach
Today, JVYS efforts are fully focused on the A2C2S Blackhawk Program”, primarily managing and participating in the fabrication and build-up of two (2) four (4) workstation A2C2S Modular configured aircraft. This version has already been delivered to the 82nd Airborne Division (AD). Although this ongoing effort results in the delivery of several more aircraft to the 82nd AD, time constraints preclude design and integration of the full spectrum of system capabilities into these aircraft and completion of the Airworthiness Qualification (AWQ) process prior to shipment.
The purpose of the A2C2S modular Configuration Phase I Program, prescribed herein, is to resolve and offset the schedule imposed issues described above, relative to the 82nd AD. It is also intended to minimize technical and schedule risk associated with the execution of the balance of aircraft modifications and transitioning into new C&C systems for the A2C2S follow-on Configuration Program that are planned.
Technical Execution for 82nd AD
The 82nd AD program concluded with the delivery of four (4) operator/workstation configured aircraft. These aircraft were deployed for training prior to completion of the full suite of airworthiness substantiation documentation due to the urgency for the war effort. Also, the optimum, fully capable, modular design was not complete. Mission needs mandate that JVYS promptly confront and resolve these issues at the outset of design as part of this lead-in Phase 1 Program to met OIF requirements.
Airworthiness Substantiation
SESI engineering activities worked to resolve the AWR/AWQ issue associated with the 82nd AD, and follow-on A2C2S newer test version and configured aircraft, JVYS identified and acquire quotations for the balance of A-Kit and B-Kit components requiring Safety of Flight (SOF) testing in order to fulfill the requirements of the airworthiness process. At the same time, finalized SOF test criteria, test plans, and coordinate with the PdM A2C2S and Redstone Technical Test Center (RTTC) to identify and schedule the use or required test facilities, test fixtures, and test personnel. Testing was completed at Redstone Arsenal and ultimately encompassed nearly 60 components. These components were temperature and altitude, shock and vibration, and electro-magnetic tested.
Also, using residual materials currently on hand, SESI integration and engineering support teams designed and fabricated, test cables and wiring harnesses needed to support the SOF test program and work with the appropriate RTTC personnel to support test execution and data collection, reduction and analysis. Subcontract engineers and testers assisted as needed in the assembly and completion of the individual component SOF tests reports and ensured they were forwarded to the PIF, PdM A2C2S, and Airworthiness Authority (AED) promptly to support a very aggressive test schedule.
Besides the SOF testing and test reports, the A2C2S Program simultaneously had to acquire and start preparation of the required Airworthiness Substantiation Documentation to satisfy the requirements of the Airworthiness process. At the completion, the airworthiness substantiation documents were delivered to the PIF on time for review and approval and thereafter, forwarded to the PdM A2C2S and the AED airworthiness representative(s), with an approved AWR to me OIF requirements.
Engineering, Management and Functional Support
Upon contract award, the A2C2S team performed remaining engineering studies and trade-off analyses needed to complete the design of the A2C2S modular system variants, the two (2), four (4) workstation, products of the A2C2S 1.1 Configuration Modular Program Phase. Efforts to finalize the design of these configuration variants was important early on in order to complete the Bill of Materials (BOM) sufficient for purposes of procuring long lead materials and components that were required for this effort but design delays and changes required and received extraordinary production planning and procurement support to meet deployment schedules.
A2C2S team also performed the requisite systems engineering, management, planning, scheduling, cost estimating, procurement, program control, performance measurement, configuration, and quality control functions that was required to execute fully all of the provisions of this contract.
Program Risk
This phase of the A2C2s program was considered technical risk associated with this effort to be MODERATE to HIGH, since engineering design was not yet complete and SOF component testing, and the results thereof, did mandate the need for engineering and design changes. The cost and schedule risk was considered HIGH since engineering design was not yet incomplete, SOF testing was, also, incomplete, and the first A2C2S modular configured aircraft were due to be completed in first quarter 2007.
Deliverables
JVYS had to comply with the deliverable requirements in a SOW dated 25 September 2006 starting the contract for the first two aircraft and deliver them in first quarter 2007.
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