THE UNITED STATES NAVY'S “DESIGN WORK STUDY” APPROACH TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHIPBOARD CONTROL SYSTEMS

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this paper is to discuss a system analysis technique called “Design Work Study”, that is used by the U.S. Navy for the development of improved ship control systems.The Design Work Study approach is one which brings about the most efficient and cost effective man‐machine combination for the ship control functions. Adherence to this process insures that the advantages of automation are balanced against incurred operational and maintenance expense.At present, U.S. Navy doctrine requires that certain ship operating stations, such as steering and propulsion control, be manned at specified ship conditions of readiness. Therefore, if personnel are needed to fulfill these combat environment obligations, excessive automation may only result in unnecessary additional acquisition costs and increased personnel skill requirements. The Design Work Study process can be applied to establish the required fine balance between the degree of built‐in automation and the shipboard manpower levels.In order to explain the techniques that are used for this process, the Authors will present a brief summary of the Design Work Study approach for optimizing shipboard control systems, including an explanation of the formal procedural tools that are applicable. In addition, a practical case study of ship control system design for one of the latest classes of Navy destroyers will be presented. This example will illustrate the resultant savings and benefits that can be realized by a judicious application of this technique.