Total Ownership Cost Reduction Case Study: AEGIS Radar Phase Shifters

Abstract

The goal of this research is to provide a case study that captures the production and design processes and program management solutions used to reduce total ownership costs of AEGIS Radar Phase Shifters. Specifically, it will focus on the design and redesign of the SPY-1 radar phase shifter; a redesign that dramatically improved performance without increasing Average Procurement Unit Costs (APUC). The researchers will analyze various process- improvement projects (PIP) used to reduce touch-labor and improve production process yield (percentage of manufactured items that are defect-free) of SPY-1B/D phase shifters, and will review programs that improved phase shifter production either directly or indirectly, i.e., consolidated purchasing, lean and six sigma, productivity improvement projects, etc. This case study was conducted with the sponsorship and assistance of the Acquisition Research Program, Graduate School of Business & Public Policy, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA.