Technology Projection: Manpower and Logistic Factors in Weapon System Development

This report outlines the importance of and requirement for considering manpower and logistic factors in weapon system acquisition programs. The scope of the area is defined, and the relationships between the Integrated Logistics System program and the Human Factors Engineering program are discussed. Developing weapon systems which can meet peacetime readiness and wartime employment objectives at the lowest possible life cycle cost (LCC) requires the ability to integrate manpower and related support considerations into the system acquisition process in a way that allows them to influence requirements and design. A number of human factors related technologies that contribute to the achievement of this goal are described. The areas covered are: Maintenance Manpower Modeling; Training Plans and Requirements; Maintenance Technical Data; System Ownership Costing; Human Resources in Design Trade-offs; Supporting Data Bases. For each of these component technologies, a near-term (5 years) technology projection is presented. Although each of the component technologies independently can make an important contribution to weapon system acquisition, what is needed most is a method to integrate the application of these component technologies during weapon system development or modification. Work to provide such an integrated methodology is described and a near-term technology projection in this area is provided. In addition, far-term (10 to 15 years) projections are provided for each of the component technologies and for the integrated application of these technologies.