Army Helicopter Cost Drivers

Abstract : The objective of this investigation is to identify the major high- cost areas, referred to as 'cost drivers', for Army helicopters. The helicopter life-cycle cost is divided into two major areas-acquisition and operating-for breakdown and examination. Acquisition costs, which include R and D and production, generally account for 25 percent of the life-cycle cost. The operating costs, which account for the remaining 75 percent, are examined in terms of maintenance and parts, personnel, and consumables. The helicopter is divided into major subassemblies such as rotor, transmission, and airframe, and each is examined in detail.