Continuous Logistics Engineering for the WAH-64: Fulfilling the Promise of 1388-2B

Logistics support for the WAH-64 is provided by ACCESS, the AirCraft Computerised Equipment Support System. ACCESS provides Logistic Support Analysis Record (LSAR) functions whose goal is to improve aircraft readiness rates while reducing life cycle cost. The design features two LSAR databases. One LSAR database, the Master LSAR, contains approved logistics data. Information flows down from this secure repository into automated maintenance control systems which need the LSAR data to help manage maintenance for unit and intermediate level work. The second database, the Hot LSAR, is open for use by the engineering authority to model alternate logistics scenarios based on reliability and maintainability (RAM) values. Even more important, the Hot LSAR receives information from the field about how well parts and maintenance activity perform in daily operation. These performance numbers can then be compared with the original engineering predictions about how the parts should perform. Discrepancies between actual and predicted performance can then be analyzed to produce improvements in maintenance policy or aircraft design.