Framework and outline section-What alternatives in manufacturing, if any, can be employed to address the part obsolescence challenges associated with the maintenance and sustainment of aging aircraft?

FRAMEWORK AND OUTLINE SECTION Student Names Course Number and Name Due Date Working Title: Exploring Alternative Manufacturing Solutions to Address Part Obsolescence in the Maintenance and Sustainment of Aging Aircraft. Research Question: What alternatives in manufacturing, if any, can be employed to address the part obsolescence challenges associated with the maintenance and sustainment of aging aircraft? Research Framework The researcher in the present study will employ the problem/solution framework. The researcher seeks to explore alternative manufacturing solutions tailored to address part obsolescence in the maintenance and sustainment of aging aircraft. The study entails an issue that has not been solved – parts obsolescence in defense and aviation. The longer an aircraft remains in circulation, the harder it can be to find parts required for essential servicing. This holds true especially in avionics because of the parallels they have with consumer electronics – for instance when the first Jumbo Jets were commissioned, the world had yet to argue about the relative advantages of VHS vs. Betamax video recorders. Unresolved obsolete part issues lead to increased costs and delayed schedules, loss of sources of supply, schedule delays awaiting new parts, and qualification of replacement parts. The criteria for addressing the research problem include corrosion and fatigue damage, frequent maintenance requirements, difficulty sourcing parts, meeting new regulations, and rising costs. The solution chosen must satisfy the above indicators.[Ackerman, John T., Matthew C. Stafford, and Thomas Williams. “Six research frameworks”, 2010.] [Sierra-Fontalvo, Lesly, Arturo Gonzalez-Quiroga, and Jaime A. Mesa. "A deep dive into addressing obsolescence in product design: A review." Heliyon (2023). https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(23)09064-3] Effective strategies or alternatives the researcher will explore include the use of predictive maintenance, implementing corrosion control programs, augmenting inspections with technology, turning to 3D printing for parts, training technicians on aging aircraft, upgrading components, and planning long-term maintenance. The researcher will...