Support Equipment Management in the F/A-18 Program

Since the early 1960s, the Navy has witnessed the introduction of aircraft of increasing technical complexity. While possessing superior tactical abilities as an outgrowth of this technical complexity, these aircraft have displayed an increasing need for specialized repair capabilities. As a result, the number and types of support equipment (SE) required to maintain them have risen dramatically. This thesis examines the policies and methods for support equipment (SE) required to maintain them have risen dramatically. This thesis examines the policies and methods for support equipment acquisition and management as established by the Naval Air System Command. The primary focus is on the integration of these procedures with the program management structure of specific aircraft programs. The research examines in-depth several innovations to the support equipment planning and management process instituted with the F/ A-18 program and evaluates them for effectiveness