An Evaluation of the Boeing Diamond Process Model's Effectiveness for T‐7A Red Hawk Development

Abstract

AbstractThe Boeing‐Saab built T‐7A Red Hawk advanced trainer aircraft being built for the United States Air Force represents a systems engineering breakthrough because it was developed through a digital effort. This aircraft will replace the aging T‐38 Talon fleet, providing increased capability and safety for future pilot trainees. Its creation was indubitably the result of persistent systems engineering efforts and a dedication to digital development. This study analyzed how Boeing engineers created their own version of the systems engineering vee process model to advance the design process of the T‐7A physically and digitally. Their “Boeing Diamond” process methodology of top‐down system design utilized a digital engineering process and modern computer techniques. They emphasized the importance of maintainability to expand lifecycle utilization and lower system costs. Based on a literature review of the T‐7A Red Hawk and other aircraft, a comparison was drawn between the Boeing Diamond systems engineering design processes and the vee model to determine which could provide greater benefits. Through analysis, this study demonstrated that the T‐7A processes used encouraged engineers to adapt to the digital world. The study results indicated that the Boeing Diamond process for modeling and digital design supported an efficient approach to the development of the T‐7A Red Hawk and is applicable to other major weapon systems or capital equipment. This research recommends further study of the Boeing Diamond model and incorporation of its elements into traditional systems engineering models and other organizations.