Digital advancements in design are rendering traditional review procedures outdated, according to Richardson.
The digital revolution is significantly impacting critical design reviews and systems engineering in the Air Force, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making processes. Here's a closer look at how digital innovations are influencing these fields:
## 1. Digital Twins in Aerospace Digital twins, virtual replicas of physical assets, are revolutionising aircraft design and development. By allowing for virtual prototyping instead of physical models, digital twins accelerate design iterations, reduce the need for costly modifications, and enhance the overall efficiency of the design process. Moreover, simulations enabled by digital twins optimise aerodynamics and structural integrity, leading to improved performance and reduced operational costs.
## 2. Human-Machine Teaming Initiatives like the Air Force's DASH experiment demonstrate the potential of human-machine collaboration in complex operational environments. Integrating digital tools into battle management systems aims to reduce decision times and enhance decision quality, leveraging machine learning and software development to support air battle managers in dynamic scenarios.
## 3. Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Programs like NGAD represent a significant investment in advanced technology, including digital design and development, to create the next generation of air dominance capabilities. The emphasis on digital development is critical for achieving the sophisticated systems integration required for future fighter aircraft, expected to be fielded in the 2030s.
## 4. Impact on Critical Design Reviews Digital design tools facilitate rapid prototyping and simulation, allowing for more efficient design reviews by reducing the reliance on physical prototypes. Digital simulations can accurately predict performance under various conditions, enhancing the accuracy of design reviews. Human-machine teaming and digital platforms support more effective collaboration among stakeholders, improving decision-making during critical design reviews.
## 5. Impact on Systems Engineering Digital design enables better systems integration by simulating how different components interact within complex systems. Early identification of potential issues through digital simulations helps in managing risks more effectively. Digital methods also reduce costly modifications by identifying and addressing issues early in the design phase.
Gen. Duke Z. Richardson, head of Air Force Materiel Command, recently emphasised the importance of digital materiel management in transforming the Air Force's approach to systems engineering and critical design reviews. Richardson spoke about this at AFMC's Life Cycle Industry Days in Dayton, Ohio.
Digital materiel management applies to new systems such as the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, Next Generation Air Dominance fighter program, and T-7 trainer, but also to legacy systems like B-52 commercial re-engining and F-15EX. However, digital materiel management does not necessarily fit everywhere, but it is crucial for moderately-sized modifications.
Richardson challenges the defense industry to adopt digital materiel management or risk being left behind. Digital technology is pushing manufacturing off the critical path, expanding the industrial base and allowing smaller businesses to participate in larger projects.
The era of "three-day critical design reviews" for Air Force programs may be ending, according to Richardson, with design reviews likely to become less frequent or obsolete due to the constant nature of digital reviews. The contract data requirements list may no longer be necessary due to the constant nature of digital reviews.
Virtual-world testing may become more common due to the new digital testing approach, reducing the need for real-world testing. Manufacturing can be moved off-premises and involve more sources, and there is traceability of test verification in the new digital testing approach.
In the case of legacy systems, only the parts undergoing significant improvement or change are being digitized. Contractors in the defense industry are encouraged to reassess their manufacturing operations in light of these changes. Richardson described digital design as transforming how systems engineering is done, offering enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration.
- The digital revolution in the aerospace industry is not only impacting aircraft design but also extending to the finance sector, as digital twins are increasingly leveraged for more efficient financial modeling and decision-making in aircraft development.
- In the defense industry, the Air Force's investment in the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Program signals a focus not just on advanced technology but also on digital finance, as the program's digital design and development necessitate significant financial planning and management.
- The digital revolution is sparking innovation in the finance industry, with digital twins offering the potential for improved financial risk management through virtual simulations of potential investment scenarios. This can lead to more informed investing and reduced financial losses.
- As the Air Force embraces digital materiel management, it's creating opportunities for collaboration within the aerospace industry and beyond. This collaboration extends to the finance sector, as digital design tools facilitate sharing of financial data among stakeholders, leading to more transparent and efficient financial decision-making processes.
