FALCCM-H: Functional Avionics Life Cycle Cost Model for Hardware

Change is the only thing that is constant about avionics technology. It is this rapid, consistent change that presents such a serious challenge to cost analysts who must bridge the estimating gap between where we were, where we are, and where we´re going in avionics acquisition. Technology changes too rapidly to allow accumulation of adequate historical data to keep existing estimating tools current. The estimating problem becomes even more difficult when available data is either insufficient, outdated, or not applicable. older technology, weight seemed to bear the strongest relationship to cost. With the trend towards smaller, lighter systems, even weight, our best predictor, is no longer valid. Logic dictates that we need realistic and consistent estimating parameters. Moreover, data relative to these parameters must be available and applicable to all avionics. Research and Management Technology, (RAMTech) Inc., located in Dayton, Ohio, has identified and tested ten parameters which appear to be valid cost drivers. The parameters are: function/sub-function; system performance; level of design integration; technology type; percent of new design; development schedule changes; weight; volume; design reliability; and nominal reliability. These parameters form the basis for the Functional Avionics Life Cycle Cost Model for Hardware (FALCCM-H) described in this paper