Flight Testing the Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC) - A Unique Management Experience
Putnam, Terrill W. and Burcham Jr., Frank W. and Kock, Berwin M. (1983) Flight Testing the Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC) - A Unique Management Experience.
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Abstract
In 1979, NASA, Pratt & Whitey, and the Air Force individually concluded that the opportunity existed for a mutually beneficial flight test program to be conducted on the digital electronic engine control (DEEC) for the F100 engine. The management challenge was to develop a program that met each organization's needs. This was done with a minimum of contracts and other formal agreements typical of cooperatives programs. The program included ground and altitude facility testing, flight engine modifications, and the ground and flight activities necessary to the flight test program. A four-phase, 18 month flight program was conducted at the NASA Ames Research Center's Dryden Flight Research Facility using an F-15 airplane. The DEEC system provided major improvements in F100 engine performance and operability, particularly for after-burner operation. The no-trim feature has been validated, with projected cost savings of $150 million. This paper describes the approach used for the flight test program, which results in major improvements in the DEEC system. In addition, the benefits of a strong and competent civil service technical capability, the absence of a "rigid" schedule, availability and application of related technical expertise from the Air Force, NASA, and the contractor, and a management approach built around mutually beneficial objectives are illustrated.
| EPrint Type: | Other |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Aircraft/Project: F-100 Aircraft/Project: F-15 |
| ID Code: | 1988 |
| Deposited On: | 01 June 2009 |
| Additional Information: | 6 pages. Proceedings, Flight Testing Today: Innovative Management and Technology; SETP Fourteenth Annual Symposium, Newport Beach, California, August 15-19, 1983. |
