Since inception, Avion has provided the required logistics, engineering, technical and programmatic support functions to the Cargo Helicopter PMO in areas of life cycle cost assessment, cost estimation/analysis, fleet management metrics development, system assessment, asset management, system modernization, acquisition planning, modeling, equipment/component Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM) analysis, database development, configuration management and strategic planning analysis. Avion has provided this support for the Cargo PMO Operations and Support (O & S) Cost Reduction Program under AMCOM Omnibus 2000 and GSA Delivery Orders. In order to afford the Army the opportunity to reduce the Total Ownership Cost (TOC) and O & S Cost of the CH-47 fleet, Avion has performed the assessment of current operations, maintenance, and support event associated costs by making use of legacy data and field augmented data collection systems. Analysis has included CH-47D and MH-47E legacy and field (AVUM/AVIM/Depot) data, including  database construction and maintenance, trend analysis, and development of analytical methodologies and a web-based computer model (non-proprietary software) designed to quantify costs incurred at the aircraft maintenance level. Avion has collected depot level data (to include data from RESET and OLR activities) to assess underlying reasons/maintenance cost drivers; to identify opportunities for reducing cost by process or design change and provide the first basis for CH-47D “Recapitalization” efforts.

Avion has performed reliability (Weibull distribution) modeling and life cycle cost analysis to support the CH-47 PMO mission objectives. Our analysis and recommendations for improvement provide support to the CH-47 PMO recapitalization strategies and resource plans for O&S cost reduction. Avion provided comprehensive documentation detailing data collection methodologies, data assessment/analysis, metrics and model development, maintenance process/procedure evaluation, & strategic recommendations for improvement. Avion has developed automated data storage systems using MS Access, Visual Basic and SQL Server and has also developed the Total Ownership Cost Management Information System (TOCMIS) database and web application for rapid analysis of fleet management metrics. Avion has analyzed data collected for 2410 (tracked) components reliability and maintainability cost drivers; utilized specialized databases, and merged validated available ELAS, 2410-TACTS, SLAMS, 1352, AOAP, DRS/QDR, PRAM, CCSS, LIDB data into the CH-47 Baseline database.

Avion interfaced frequently with CH-47 PMO management to develop fleet metrics, support Recapitalization initiatives, and provide recommendations for acquisition strategy, planning, programming, and execution of CH-47 Programs. Avion has supported IPRs and ad hoc briefings, as well as provided input and recommendations for Command and DA briefings. Avion has been the technical lead in the establishment of the CH-47 fleet metrics and analysis applications which have been embraced and adopted by the Aviation Program Executive Office (PEO) and incorporated as the cornerstone of the AH-64 Recapitalization Plan. 

Avion performed the RAM data collection effort on the CH-47F Engineering Manufacturing Development (EMD) aircraft for the Developmental Test & Evaluation (T & E) phase and is currently providing support to the Operational T & E effort. Avion has provided input to the Test and Evaluation Master Plans, Development T & E Report, Operational T & E Report and provided input, advice, and recommendations to Integrated Product Teams (IPT). Avion has participated in Test Integration Working Groups (TIWG); RAM Scoring Boards; 90% Readiness; Two (2) Level Maintenance; Re-Capitalization and Metrics Development working groups and IPTs.

Avion has been supporting the Cargo PMO Technical Publications Program since its inception in 2001, a unique approach developed by the CH-47 PMO to achieve cost savings in the Technical Publications arena. The project implements a strategy of in-sourcing the development of technical publications to teams comprised of government and contractor functional and subject matter experts, including AMCOM, PEO Aviation, LOGSA, Logistics Integration Agency (LIA), U.S. Army Aviation Logistics School (USAALS), CECOM and contractor support. The program has achieved both improved publications and substantial cost savings. Avion provides strategic planning, network infrastructure, data and configuration management and engineering technical support. We developed and maintained the application for the Project Master Schedule for all deliverables and taskers; assess performance to schedule; and evaluate COTS software tools for potential utilization. Avion provides support in: Technical Data (Development & Handling); Data Integration; Process Control; and Configuration Management, under the direction of the CH-47 PMO Project Lead. Avion provided analytical and maintenance analyst support for configuration management, programming, database architecture support, and document/data configuration control functions required for integration of the Project team's products:

1. Revised technical publications to provide support to CH-47D users;
2. Revision and conversion of CH-47D maintenance publications and Repair Parts Special Tools List (RPSTL) to an electronic format (for IETM development)
3. Updating CECOM publications that support the CH-47D/F models; integration with CECOM-managed Multi-platform Common Source Database (MACS-D); integration of CPME with the IETM product; and
4. Development and distribution of the IETM for the CH-47F.

Also, Avion has provided support to the initial planning/impact evaluation process regarding the Two-Level Maintenance Concept, which establishes two categories of maintenance management IAW the Objective Force Maintenance Concept to enhance readiness and establish overhaul as a National Maintenance Repair Standard. This requires the Cargo PMO to evaluate established and planned maintenance processes and tasks to determine feasibility and cost. Avion provided our substantial experience with Army Aviation maintenance, including assessment capability and knowledge of: AVIM, AVUM and Depot practices; ground support equipment and TMDE availability and expertise; training requirements; supply chain dynamics, maintenance task complexity levels and time requirements; logistics footprint analyses; task risk assessments; readiness implications of task failure; and maintainability data assessment. Avion has supported assessments of this type over its corporate history and has developed several models that are applicable to evaluation of the two-level maintenance concept. Avion also provided support to the Cargo PMO for the Team Redstone Soldier Focused Logistics Initiative, a major commitment where PEO-AVN, AMCOM and RDECOM assets are organizationally and physically structured to collaborate on weapon system support.

Additionally, Avion supports the Cargo PMO via a maintenance manpower data collection effort underway in both the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of operation.  Avion subject matter experts are embedded in AVUM and AVIM units to capture wartime utilization and environmental effects on aircraft maintenance within theater and on crash/damaged aircraft exported to depot level repair facilities within CONUS.  Collection and analysis by Avion of this key maintenance data will support several follow-on initiatives to include a Manpower Allocation Resource Criteria review and a Level Of Repair Analysis in support of the Two Level Maintenance Initiative.  Avion has developed several tools in conjunction with this effort, however, the Unit Level Logistics System – Aviation Software Change Package 6 (ULLS-A SCP6) has been a critical component of the data collection effort.  This robust maintenance management tool, with total asset visibility, user-defined reporting environment and real-time functionality has been invaluable in tracking, analysis and reporting of real-time maintenance data.

Avion’s contributions to the Cargo PMO O & S cost reduction program (including life cycle cost estimation, strategic management plan development, and fleet resource management) have provided the PMO with a strategic resource. Avion provided integral support to the CH-47 PMO in the development of a series of metrics for utilization in the assessment of the fleet TOC baseline and overall fleet management. These included standard metrics, i.e., readiness, reliability and maintainability and, in addition, supplemental indices designed to garner further insight to the underlying cost drivers, e.g., downtime due to SOF, ASAM, MWOs, etc. The metrics are grouped in the following general categories: Readiness, Fleet Reliability, Component Reliability, Maintainability, Quality, Safety and Policy, and Fleet Operations. Avion also developed modeling tools: TOCR Model - TOCMIS Web-based Application; Component Maximum Likelihood Estimator Process; Recovery Process Model; Mission Time Process Model; and Concurrence Process Model to evaluate available data and identify components and subsystems that are failing to meet cost and performance metrics. We determined the feasibility and potential ROI for improvements made to the design, maintenance, and/or inspection procedures of the selected items. Avion estimates are being employed in the development of the CH-47 PMO recapitalization strategy for life extension cost savings. Avion delivered a web-based O&S Cost analytical utility that is currently being used to evaluate opportunities for mission reliability optimization, aircraft component performance improvements, and O&S cost reduction. The following special reports were delivered under this project:

1. Data Base Assessment For CH-47D Direct Maintenance
2. CCAD Field Data Report CH-47D Direct Maintenance - Total Ownership Cost Baseline
3. Rotor, Drive, Powerplant, and Other Major Subsystems Reliability Analysis CH-47D Direct Maintenance - Total Ownership Cost Baseline
4. Enhanced Logbook Automation System (ELAS) Implementation Report
5. CCAD Depot Cost Analysis Report
6. TOCMIS Web Application For Metrics Analyses
7. CH-47D Parameter Document: Direct Maintenance Total Ownership Cost Baseline
8. CH-47D Parameter Assessment For Web-Site Document
9. CH-47 PMO Metrics Briefing
10. Phase Duration, Man-hour and Maintenance Task Report
11. Preliminary Scoring 7-101st Aviation Battalion CH-47D MTBMA, MTBMAF Reliability Baseline
12. System Requirements Specification: “The Recovery Time Process” (Mission Recovery Model)
13. System Requirements Specification: “The Mission Time Process” (Mission Reliability Model)
14. System Requirements Specification: “The Concurrence Process” (Mission Reliability Model)
15. 7-101 Aviation Battalion Flight Crew Mission Analysis

Avion provided detailed, comprehensive, and extensive knowledge and understanding of all facets of the needs, requirements, and operation of the Cargo PMO through years of close, on-site support. Our efforts supported technical and management decisions concerning the planning, implementation and execution of the Cargo Program. The collective experience/corporate knowledge of Avion’s support to the Cargo PMO ensured that application of the appropriate provisions of any governing SOP, directive, regulation, standard, and specification was brought to bear on the requirement being addressed. Avion understands the mission and objectives of aviation project offices and the many technical issues associated with aircraft field performance and system/mission equipment modifications and upgrades. Our staff encompasses former military and DoD civilian employees who have intimate working knowledge of the many on-going issues, are thoroughly familiar with, and have established solid working relationships with Government and contractor personnel. Avion provided complete aircraft system, sub-system, and component level knowledge, minimizing program risk.