Concurrent engineering in the development of an intermediate jet trainer – a case study

The design and flying of the first prototype of a jet trainer typically takes four to five years. Using the principles of concurrent engineering, the cycle time was reduced and the jet trainer was test flown in 20 months from metal cutting and 44 months from go-ahead. The cycle time reduction was achieved through the use of computer aided design tools, implementation of product data manager to control and monitor the design work flow, close monitoring and outsourcing of manufacturing activities and systematic co-ordination to ensure the project schedule. The primary benefit noted is that development cycle time can be considerably reduced through the enhanced co-ordination of design and manufacturing and integration of these through a proper work flow management system. This integration requires bringing issues up front and conceptualisation of possible issues that could come up through a cross function team in which members from design, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, systems integration, quality assurance and certification agencies work seamlessly.