AGENDA: Current Initiatives/Programs * The Aviation Science and Technology Challenge * OSD Future Vertical Lift * Transition to the Future. Current Initiatives Shaping the Future * US Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) Aviation Operations Capability Based Assessment (CBA) * USAACE Joint Multi-Role (JMR) Aircraft Analysis Study * DARPA/Army Study on the Future of VTOL Aviation * OSD Future Vertical Lift Initiative * Army Aviation JMR Demonstrator Program.
The history of joint acquisition programs in the U.S. Department of Defense reveals varied outcomes -- some positive, some negative. Joint program management is intended to reduce management costs and spread risks across participating services. Increased commonality theoretically yields economies of scale and savings that can be realized during the development, production, and support phases. However, joint management introduces significant complexity, while commonality also introduces significant technical challenges. Some joint programs have proved to be successful (e.g., the Joint Direct Attack Munition), while the complexity of joint requirements might have contributed to cost growth and schedule delays in other programs (e.g., F-35 Joint Strike Fighter), detracting from the benefits expected from commonality. The joint Future Vertical Lift (FVL) initiative asked RAND to examine joint management constructs and recommend strategies for improving both its internal organizational structure and its alignment with key external bodies. The authors draw a distinction between joint program management and commonality and argue that it is possible to achieve some degree of commonality without joint program management. Based on a review of historical joint initiatives, as well as a review of relevant business management literature, the authors identify some of the factors affecting joint program success and recommend ways to apply those lessons to the management of FVL.
As the Future Vertical Lift programs down select to a smaller pool of competitors, understanding the industrial base implications of the Army’s FVL plans is crucial. This report presents a detailed analysis of the industrial base implications of the Army’s approach to vertical lift modernization. It examines the Army’s addressable market for vertical lift, looks at opportunities and challenges in restructuring and optimizing the industrial base, what Middle Tier Acquisition and Modular Open Systems Architecture approaches might mean for key industry dynamics, and how incentive structures can be aligned for success.
"Future Vertical Lift, the Army's effort to develop a new generation of vertical lift systems, is one of its top modernization priorities. As part of this effort, the Army is pioneering the use of a combination of acquisition approaches that depart from the traditional defense acquisition system. Given the novelty of this approach, there are significant questions about the long-term affordability, sustainability, and industry dynamics of the Army's approach. This report characterizes and assess the Army's approach to vertical lift modernization; identifies long-term issues relating to programmatic, sustainment, and portfolio costs; and clarifies the long-term affordability implications of the Army's portfolio approach to vertical lift modernization" -- Publisher's web site.
