Gripen: with focus on availability performance and life support cost over the product life cycle

Abstract

Describes how the terms system effectiveness from a logistics perspective and life cycle cost effectiveness were designed into the Gripen combat aircraft and how they are now being taken care of in the operational phase. Notes that in the early concept phase, there was focus on availability performance and life support cost. To ensure future operational and support cost the contract between the vendor and customer included logistic parameters that were to be predicted and followed‐up during the design phase. The Gripen system is today in operational use and operational data is continuously collected and monitored and provides essential input to the process of continuous improvement of the product and the support system. Concludes that working with a focus on availability performance and life support cost over the product life cycle has helped to develop a state‐of‐the‐art high performing aircraft both in terms of operational performance and cost effectiveness.