Systems Analysis and Simulation Techniques, Essential Tools for Balanced Complex Weapon System Designs in Terms of Performance and Cost

In line with the speed of overall technical evolution, the requirements for weapon systems are steadily increasing. The required levels of performance lead to complex and expensive technical solutions. The resulting cost of the single weapon system, together with the demand for sufficient quantities, increasingly conflicts with natural budget limitations. For an effective cost control, the cost driving requirements have to be identified and analysed before the weapon system design begins. The major tool for this task is an integrated analysis of technical parameters, operational aspects and life cycle cost based on mathematical simulation, tailored to the amount of available information. This integrated analysis leads to recommendations for the single weapon system and the necessary quantities for given scenarios. By involving the customer early enough, the staff requirements for the weapon system can there be influenced in such a way, that the design can be balanced in terms of performance and cost. ; This article is from 'Flight Vehicle Development Time and Cost Reduction: Conference Proceedings Held at the Flight Mechanics Panel Symposium in Toulouse (France) on 11-14 May 1987', AD-A198 663, p14-1 thru 14-12.