The Influence of Design to Cost and Prototyping on the A-10 Aircraft

Increasing concern has been shown at all levels of government over the rising cost of major weapons systems. The implementation of the “design to cost” approach is intended to reverse this trend by placing greater emphasis on the cost elements during systems design and by restraining the natural desire for maximum performance if the technology required involves the risk of cost escalation. These factors, however, must not detract from the basic goal-the production of a weapons system with acceptable, reliable performance within cost guidelines. The application of design to cost and the effect of prototyping are described as they apply to the A-10 close air support aircraft.