IWS 3A Vertical Launch System (VLS) Transition to Open Architecture

The Best Manufacturing Practices Center of Excellence (BMPCOE/WILLCOR) has been supporting IWS 3A for several years, providing systems engineering, process improvement, risk management, and best practices services for the Standard Missile Program and related projects.

The Navy desires to achieve life cycle cost effectiveness for the Vertical Launch System (VLS) through such initiatives as migrating the VLS software to the Open Architecture Computing Environment (OACE); ensuring that depot repair and maintenance is performed in the most efficient manner feasible in accordance with best industry practices; and risk and systems engineering review of VLS components (such as the programmable power supply and the quad canister). All of these VLS activities benefit from WILLCOR support.

WILLCOR provided support to the VLS Program Office in several areas that enhance VLS program management increasing the likelihood of success in meeting cost savings objectives.

WILLCOR assisted in forming, and also participated in, an IPT to provide essential overview of and guidance for the migration of the VLS software to OACE. The IPT consisted of representatives from Lockheed Martin, NSWC Dahlgren Division, NSWC Port Hueneme Division, and BMPCOE/WILLCOR, along with government personnel and other systems engineering contractors with specialized knowledge related to the VLS.

WILLCOR assisted in developing the system and system software development plan that ensures the OACE migration is completed in a manner that achieves compliance certification.

WILLCOR assisted the VLS Program Office to perform risk identification and management associated with the OACE migration development utilizing the BMPCOE TRIMS risk assessment tool.

WILLCOR developed and maintained a VLS Collaborative Work Environment (CWE) Internet-based environment that allows all members of the VLS team to work in collaboration. It is especially useful for documentation development and trouble reporting, change request promulgation and review as well as change adjudication by the VLS Change Control Board.

WILLCOR also conducted a site-survey of the Lockheed Martin repair depot located in Ventura, CA and prepared a report of findings along with recommendations for improvements. The purpose of this survey was to ascertain if VLS repairs are being performed utilizing best available industry practices to maximize cost effectiveness. Using its unique benchmarking expertise, BMPCOE/WILLCOR issued a report with observations and recommendations along with inputs from its Best Practices database, Know-how Library and consultation with industry subject matter experts.

<< Back