Simulation based life cycle cost modelling as a decision support tool

This paper summarizes the work that has been carried out as part of the FLAVIIR project, a 5 year research program looking at technologies for future unmanned air vehicles. This is a UK EPSRC funded project sponsored by BAE systems. A framework is presented in which a life cycle cost model can be integrated into the design process to facilitate the comparison between different configurations. The architecture to estimate the life cycle cost and the associated models are described. The acquisition costs are estimated using a hierarchical structure and a discrete simulation model is used to estimate the maintenance and operation costs. It is then demonstrated how the framework can be used to evaluate the cost penalty of different design concepts.

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