This proposal addresses the development of an automated methodology that estimates the cost, both research and development and production, of aircraft integration and certification (i.e. an aircraft modification program). This automated tool will provide the capability to interact with aircraft design models to give a complete evaluation of the capabilities and affordability of aircraft modifications. The methodology that we are proposing will yield cost estimating relationships (CERs) that estimate the activities performed in the acquisition phases of an aircraft integration and certification program. The activities comprising an integration program include the development, production, and installation of the hardware (i.e. Group A equipment), the development and/or modification of software (e.g. electronic box integration and OFP) and the testing and certification of the hardware and software (i.e. the flight test program).
Benefits: The results of the research and development proposed here will be invaluable in the specification of cost effective and affordable aircraft. Today, there is a real need within the aircraft community for the capability to estimate aircraft integration and certification costs. The capability that exists today is limited. Given the development of new aviation technologies, only with the ability to estimate integrating and certifying new aviation technologies into current and future aircraft will the development of affordable and cost effective aircraft be attained. The military and commercial aircraft industry have already expressed interest in the capability of estimating aircraft integration and certification costs. In their view, a cost model that would allow them to estimate costs of modifying aircraft hardware and software has utility within their own organization. A cost tool that has the ability to interface with design tools would help "synthesize a more cost effective design". In light of this a cost model that estimates aitcraft integration and certification costs would be desireable and essential in developing cost effective and affordable aircraft for commercial applications.
Keywords: integration aircraft certification modification acquisition flight test
