Supportability of Advanced Composite Structures: Considerations for the Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstration

Advanced composite materials are disrupting incumbent metallic materials in Army Aviation and creating new value networks that span the supply chain from raw material manufacturers to specialty equipment for sustainment of composite structures. In order to prepare Army Aviation for fielding and supporting an all-composite aircraft, many investment decisions need to be made today to facilitate the influx of training, tools, materials, and processes that will be necessary. This whitepaper walks through the defense acquisition lifecycle and discusses considerations for supportability of these advanced composite structures at each phase. Multiple case studies are presented to highlight opportunities to help inform the leaders and managers that are making the investment decisions now for tomorrow's weapon systems.