Abstract
M.Ing.
The A-Darter integration on the JAS39 Gripen was a very unique program in the sense that the development of the A-Darter missile was still on going when the integration took place.
This dissertation thus looks at the various activities that were necessary when doing an integration program of such a nature. Firstly a well-defined contract needs to be in place in order for the various parties to understand their roles in the program. A Statement of Work (SOW) also needs to be defined together with this contract; the minimum that should be considered is as follows:
- Management
- Operational Analysis
- Aeronautical / Airframe Integration
- Systems Integration
- Flight Test and Verification
- Integrated Logistics Support (ILS)
The systems engineering process is also described in this mini dissertation; both the SAAB Product Development Process (PDP) as well as the INCOSE System Engineering Processes are described. The dissertation describes when and where in the process an integration process can take place and what the minimum requirements are.
The logical flow is described in terms of the critical path that needs to be followed during the integration process. The dissertation describes the process from the physical fitment trials that need to take place to the final launch of the System Avionics Test Missiles (SATM).
The risks and lessons learnt are also described in this mini dissertation, the input for these sections were from interviews of people who were critical in the success of the program. The major risks on the program were definitely the technological risk as two state of the art pieces of equipment needed to be integrated. Power requirements and adherence to MIL-STD 1760 were one of the other main risks. The vibration spectrum that Denel Dynamics had to comply to also proved a risk in the program. However all the risks were mitigated and hence did not have an impact on the program.