Date of Award

3-22-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Systems Engineering

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Logan O. Mailloux, PhD.

Abstract

Flight safety is a critical design and engineering consideration within the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and particularly the United States Air Force (USAF). This study conducts an independent evaluation of the airworthiness assessment process used by the United States Air Force’s Engineering Directorate through modeling and simulation. The airworthiness process is examined for its ability to effectively verify sound engineering design and efficiency with respect to the implementation of new software-based assessment tools and its impact on timeliness of reviews and resource utilization. Simulation results guide recommendations for reducing non-value-added activities and strategic leveling of resource demands to increase efficiency and decrease processing time. Lastly, from observation and detailed study of the aircraft airworthiness process, recommendations are made for the space domain toward the development of a re-qualification process for reusable launch vehicles, as this is a growing area of interest for the space community

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-18-M-241

DTIC Accession Number

AD1056542

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