Air Force Institute of Technology Research Report 2011

This report summarizes the research activities of the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management. It describes research interests and faculty expertise; lists student theses/dissertations; identifies research sponsors and contributions; and outlines the procedures for contacting the school. Included in the report are: faculty publications, conference presentations, consultations, and funded research projects. Research was conducted in the areas of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electro-Optics, Computer Engineering and Computer Science, Systems and Engineering Management, Operational Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics and Engineering Physics

Defense Acquisition System Simulation Studies

A systems engineering process model for the acquisition of large, complex systems for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is being adapted for ongoing experiments in acquisition process policies. The discrete‐event simulation model of the larger “enterprise of acquisition” for weapon systems has a broad scope from program beginning through development. It reveals some of the challenges and risks in weapon system acquisition. Initially the model was used to evaluate potential policies as interventions and/or system changes in an Air Force context. The simulation results showed varying degrees of influence on program outcomes and suggested no single antidote exists for solving acquisition problems. Many of the negative outcomes reflected through cost and schedule overruns are due to the behavior of the acquisition system itself. A collaboration between the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), and The Aerospace Corporation is underway to translate the model and adapt it for new considerations. Shortly we will propagate new model versions and results to the public, and use it for additional Air Force and Navy programs of concern