APEX: A Model for Avionics Upgrade Planning and Execution

As our weapon systems age and fewer new systems are under development, the needs of the warfighter for more capable aircraft and systems dictate that these needs be met by modifications to the legacy aircraft the services are currently flying. For aircraft avionics, the needs for technological currency are also compounded by the mandates to operate within the safety boundaries of the National Airspace requirements. The result is a full plate for many weapon system managers in establishing a rational plan to acquire and install updated systems in the aircraft they are managing. The authors have defined an approach to this avionics planning process that is described as the APEX Avionics Planning and Execution model. The model process shows how to incorporate avionics requirements and modification planning into an effective and integrated plan that considers technical and business case issues. Concepts such as the development of an overall avionics migration strategy, the application of open systems and the use of life cycle cost in the decision process are shown to be key elements of the APEX process. Examples of the application of this planning method to execute ongoing programs are provided.