An approach to the estimation of life cycle costs of a fiber-optic application in military aircraft

by: McGrath, John Michael; Michna, Kenneth Ralph

Publication date: 1975-01-01 00:00:00

Topics: Management, optical fibers, fiber optics, optical waveguides, light emitting diodes, PIN diodes, economic analysis, cost effectiveness analysis, life cycle cost model

Publisher: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School

Collection: navalpostgraduateschoollibrary; fedlink

Language: English

As significant technological advances in fiber optics and
optical data transmission methods are being made, it is
necessary to develop appropriate methods for estimating life
cycle costs for alternative coaxial/twisted pair wire and
optical fiber avionics. Measures of effectiveness are
suggested for each alternative system. An approach, which
structures the technological and demand uncertainties of
fiber optics, is developed through scenarios as a means of
relating cost and effectiveness. It is suggested that Delphi
and experience curve techniques be used in conjunction with
ordered scenarios as a technological forecasting technique for
estimation of life cycle costs of fiber optics. In addition,
a review of the historical and technological background of
fiber optics and their application to the Naval Electronics
Laboratory Center (NELC) A-7 Airborne Light Optical Fiber
Technology (ALOFT) Program is included.