Reconstituting a production capability : past experience, restart criteria, and suggested policies

Should weapons production slow to a stop? This book suggests steps that might be taken at production shutdown to ease restart. Product Description This report evaluates the feasibility of restarting weapon system production lines in response to a resurgent major threat and suggests steps that might be taken at shutdown to ease restart. The cost and schedule advantages of restart relative to new-system production are quantified. Criteria are identified for deciding which systems ought to be regarded as candidates for restart, and the application of the criteria is illustrated. From the Inside Flap Evaluates the feasibility of restarting weapon system production lines in response to a resurgent major threat and suggests steps that might be taken at shutdown to ease restart. This report evaluates the feasibility of restarting weapon system production lines in response to a resurgent major threat and suggests steps that might be taken at shutdown to ease restart. The cost and schedule advantages of restart relative to new-system production are quantified. Criteria are identified for deciding which systems ought to be regarded as candidates for restart, and the application of the criteria is illustrated. Other reconstitution options (e.g. maintaining "warm" production lines, excess production for stockpiling) are briefly reviewed The fundamental objective of America's armed forces is to deter aggression and, should deterrence fail, to defend the nation's vital interests against a potential foe. John Birkler ... [et Al.]. Prepared For The Under Secretary Of Defense For Acquisition. National Defense Research Institute. Includes Bibliographical References.