Transitioning Operational Weapons Systems: Proof by Trial

1. Transitioning Operational Weapons Systems:Proof by Trial Maj Gen David Eichhorn Commander, AFFTC 14 September 2009

2. Overview • Rapid fielding & ACTDs • Blessing or a curse? • DT&E early independent assessment post MS B • Schedule absorption • Weapon system “affordability” • Clear accountability in design Life Cycle Cost Control in Jeopardy!

3. Pay Me Now… Pay Me Later “I would gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger Today” Wpn System` ACTDs are a “pay me later”

4. Proof by TrialIndependent Assessment • Operationally relevant • Requirements lead to specifications • Specs hold the contractor accountable • Dreamware/ Brochure hype • Life Cycle Cost • Performance tradeoffs considered • Reliability, maintainability -- addressed early • Otherwise retrofit, workarounds, etc. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED OR YOUR MONEY BACK Your One Last Chance

5. Challenge: Background Matters!Accountability in Performance Not all solutions are compatible!

6. Proof by Trial Systems Under Test FIGHTERS TANKERS AIRLIFT/AIR DROP BOMBERS UAV / UCAV AIRBORNE LASER HYPERSONIC FLIGHT TEST

7. 308,000 Acres • 29,000 Ft Concrete Runways • 59 Miles Lakebed Runways • 11.7M Sq Ft Ramp Space • 573 Miles Roads • 270 Miles Electrical Lines • 194 Miles Wastewater Lines • 72 Miles Natural Gas Lines AFFTC FootprintRecovery is Enhanced Edwards AFB, CA • 3,800 Structures • 9.5M Sq Ft Facility Space • 1M Sq Ft in 19 Hangars • 1.8M Sq Ft Technical Support Space • Population – 12,949 • AF Active Duty – 1,701 • NASA & AFRL - 725 • Civilians – 3,471 • Associates & NAF - 282 • Contractors – 4,651 • Dependants – 1,998 • Reservists – 121

8. SummaryAcquisition Excellence • Independent Technical Assessments • Government experts • Proven methodology • By definition we never know everything at the start of a program • Disciplined learning • Disciplined reaction • Test, or proof by trial, is a necessary pain

9. AFFTC Flight OpsTypical Day-in-the-Life

10. Questions?