Aircraft Battle Damage Assessment and Repair (ABDAR) Evaluation

Abstract

Abstract : The Aircraft Battle Damage Assessment and Repair (ABDAR) program is an advanced research and development (R&D) project under the sponsorship of Air Force Research Laboratory/Deployment and Sustainment Division Logistics Readiness Branch (AFRL/HESR). The intent of this system is to provide a significant enhancement in the capability of USAF Aircraft Battle Damage Repair (ABDR) assessors and technicians to rapidly assess battle damaged aircraft. These individuals face the critical task of assessing, repairing, and returning battle-damaged aircraft to mission readiness as rapidly as possible while maintaining a high level of precision. AFRL completed an ABDAR project in 2000 that featured prototype software that demonstrated how software and digitized technical data could increase speed and accuracy of the ABDR process. ABDR experts from AFMC/MSG also completed an ABDAR software tool in 2002, referred to in this document as the MSG mockup. AFMC/MSG and the Combat Logistics Support Squadrons (CLSS) have shown continued interest in this capability, but it is unknown what portions of the mockup software packages, if any can be used to produce an ABDAR system that meets minimum CLSS requirements and can be fielded quickly. The objective of the ABDAR evaluation effort was to assess the AFRL and MSG software currently demonstrating the concept of automating the documentation and repair of aircraft battle damage. The evaluation will determine what existing software code and processes, if any, are economically and technically valuable in developing a new product that meets CLSS requirements. In addition, this software will be evaluated to determine the level of effort required to modify them in order to meet the minimal functional requirements.