| Summary: | Thesis (S.M. in Engineering and Management)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, System Design and Management Program, 2012. === Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. === Includes bibliographical references (p. 107-111). === The Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS) exists to execute logistical resupply operations using fixed and rotary wing air in a safe, effective and precise manner in order to deliver supplies and equipment to intended recipients at multiple locations on a single mission in hostile or restricted terrain. In the U.S. Military's Current Operating Environment (COE) in locations all over the world, Soldiers find themselves operating in areas that are either too arduous to move to by ground or where the threat is elevated to the point where the unit must maneuver to a particular location by air in order to increase unit survivability, maintain the element of surprise and execute timely operations. Current and previous logistical resupply platforms and systems fail to meet these requirements due to inaccuracies and ineffectiveness, increased enemy capabilities to effect friendly supply lines and increased threats to low flying aircraft, which has an immediate impact on mission accomplishment. Current force structure requires a system that can operate in a dynamic and mercurial environment in order to rapidly adjust to changes on the ground, which is a necessity. The objective of this research thesis is to provide a thorough analysis of the JPADS through a rich stakeholder analysis of the system and a complete study of the JPADS system architecture. This will allow further investigation using the Design Structure Matrix (DSM), which is a system engineering methodology and tool utilized to provide improvement recommendations to project sponsors working on the system. This research thesis will argue that there are two critical components vital to the success of the JPADS, which include an integrated Wind Data Sensor that can provide real-time wind updates to the JPADS and a Terrain Avoidance Feature to ensure success in challenging terrain such as we find our military currently operating in. Instrumental to the success of the JPADS is developing a system that takes full advantage of tip of the spear technology through a modular system capable of adapting to both the environment and the mission. This research thesis will apply systems architecture and DSM analysis to the JPADS in order to fully analyze the system and illustrate why the incorporation of both the Wind Data Sensor and the Terrain Avoidance Feature is a necessity to ensure operational success of the system. === by Joshua A. N. Eaton. === S.M.in Engineering and Management
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