Global Positioning System Systems Engineering Case Study

Abstract

Abstract : At the direction of the Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. James G. Roche, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) established a Center for Systems Engineering (CSE) at its Wright Patterson AFB, campus in 2002. With academic oversight by a Subcommittee on Systems Engineering, chaired by Air Force Chief Scientist Dr. Alex Lewis, the CSE was tasked to develop case studies focusing on the application of systems engineering principles within various Air Force programs. The committee drafted an initial case outline and learning objectives, and suggested the use of the Friedman-Sage Framework to guide overall analysis. The CSE contracted for management support with Universal Technology Corporation (UTC) in July 2003. Principal investigators for the four case studies published in the initial series included Mr. John Griffin for the C-5A, Dr. G. Keith Richey for the F-111, Mr. James Mattice for the Hubble Telescope, and Mr. Josh Collens for the Theater Battle Management Core System. These cases were published in 2004. Two additional case studies have since been added to this series with the principal investigators being Mr. John Griffin for the B-2 and Dr. Bill Stockman for the JASSM. All case studies (with the exception of JASSM) are available on the CSE website [http://www.afit.edu/cse]. The Department of Defense continues to develop and acquire joint complex systems that deliver needed capabilities demanded by our warfighter. Systems engineering is the technical and technical management process that focuses explicitly on delivering and sustaining robust, high-quality, affordable products. The Air Force leadership, from the Secretary of the Air Force through the Commander of the Air Force Materiel Command, has collectively stated the need to mature a sound systems engineering process throughout the Air Force.