Designing the CF-18 to be operationally ready

Primary Hornet program requirements include improved Operational Readiness (OR) and reduced Life Cycle Cost (LCC) compared to previous tactical aircraft. These requirements were translated into definitive and challenging reliability (R) and maintainability (M) design requirements. This paper describes the design and management techniques used to design superior R and M characteristics into the CF-18. A key to the Hornet's improved Operational Readiness is the firm R and M guarantees which will be demonstrated during the development program. Another important program management feature is the substantial R, M, LCC, and program management incentives (totalling $39M) which the contractor can earn. Principal CF-18 features designed to provide improved reliability include avionics equipment derating, improved cooling of the avionics, and reduced parts in the major subsystems such as radar, engine, and crew station. The Hornet's F404 engine also is designed for simplicity and reliability, being about four times as reliable as the J79. A major factor in achieving this improved CF-18 reliability is designing and testing to a realistic operational mission environment (OME). Most Hornet subsystems were required to complete reliability development testing utilizing this simulated OME. Maintainability features of the CF-18 design include improved equipment access, extensive built-in-test (BIT) and fault isolation, and an auxiliary power unit (APU) for ground maintenance. The Hornet's R and M performance during the flight test program demonstrates that the challenging reliability and maintainability design requirements are being met and often exceeded. The paper concludes with a summary of lessons learned during the Hornet program.