A Between-Squadron Analysis of Cannibalization on the MV-22

The Naval Aviation Maintenance Program recognizes cannibalization as a viable management tool when properly used in aviation squadrons. Squadrons consequently practice cannibalization in an attempt to reduce gaps in their logistical and maintenance support systems. This thesis analyzed cannibalizations on the MV-22 aircraft platform to examine how the practice varied between squadrons in the community, which specific components drove cannibalizations, and how the practice of cannibalization affected aircraft availability. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, cannibalization data from 2010 to 2014 for 13 selected MV-22 squadrons were analyzed under six selected categories. All MV-22 components cannibalized during that period were also analyzed to examine the top cannibalization drivers and how those components changed over time. Lastly, statistical tests were performed to uncover how cannibalizations affected aircraft availability. The analysis revealed some squadrons as better performers at cannibalization than others, and that squadrons also varied under reasons for cannibalization, maintenance hour documentation, partial mission capable cannibalizations, and cannibalizations on deployment. The statistical test also revealed that cannibalizations had little to no effect on MV-22 aircraft availability. Recommendations for maintenance data system improvements were provided along with suggested MV-22 best cannibalization practices.