Posted by Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) Affordability Process
Methods Track
Downloadable Files:
METH-2 Christoperson Paper KEI Affordability
Abstract:
KEI is a development program in the emerging National Missile Defense system. An Affordability process was developed which leverages Design For Six Sigma (DFSS), Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA), and Cost As an Independent Variable (CAIV).
The emerging process was applied to a recent trade study, and a “knee in the curve” chart was developed using Launch Area Denied (LAD) as the measure of performance and Development and Test (D&T) cost as the independent variable. A step by step methodology is presented with unique, real-world results.
Author:
Tim Christopherson
Tim is employed at Raytheon Missile Systems, located in Tucson, Arizona. He is currently assigned to the KEI program as the Affordability lead, and works closely with Northrop Grumman and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). He has over twenty years experience in the missile business.
Tim received a Bachelors and a Masters in Economics from Cal Poly, and also holds a Masters in Systems Engineering from the University of Arizona. He’s also worked with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in association with the Lean Aerospace Initiative (LAI), and is a Six Sigma Master Blackbelt.