Cost Valuation: A Model for Comparing Dissimilar Aircraft Platforms

The purpose of this MBA Project was to investigate and provide an overview of current cost valuation methods used to compare aircraft and then determine if the current methods were satisfactory for comparing dissimilar aircraft platforms. The goal of the project was to develop a model using OS and procurement cost inputs together with aircraft inventory and utilization data in order to produce a cost per unit hour for any given aircraft. A demonstration of the models validity using aircraft and cost data from the Predator UAV and the F-16 was then performed to illustrate how it can be used to aid comparisons of dissimilar aircraft platforms that perform similar missions.