PRODUCTION LINE CONCEPT FOR OVERHAULING SUBMARINES: ITS TIME HAS COME

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe current problem concerning high costs and long durations of submarine overhauls and costly redundancy among shipyards dictates that the present methodology for overhauling submarines be improved. While this problem appears difficult, there is an unprecedented opportunity and a suggested solution, the adoption of what I will call a Production Line Concept (PLC). The unprecedented opportunity stems from the probable few but large classes of the submarine fleet in the 1990s and beyond. That composition coupled with the advancing state of the art of industrial engineering forms the evolution of a PLC. The PLC is based on constructing an integrated, automated facility designed to perform depot level life‐cycle maintenance work on a large class of submarines with speed, high quality and minimal manning. The adoption of a PLC will have a profound effect on submarine shipyards, overhaul planning and logistics support. The PLC will not only attract a sound, affordable submarine maintenance budget and effect timely overhauls but will provide a better work quality by using more uniform and disciplined techniques. The PLC will provide new orderliness to nearly all aspects of the administration, management and control of nuclear submarine overhauls. While adopting the PLC will require determination, conviction and courage, there is an outstanding opportunity to do it now.