The implementation of complex equipment as fighter aircraft with a long supply line in logistics support is an interesting subject for study. The Royal Thai Air Force has just purchased Gripen 39 C/D, 4.5 generation fighter aircraft, which have new technology and will need to come together with a new platform in logistics support to supercede the existing system for the F-16 A/B.
The lessons learned and experience regarding logistics problems with the F-16 A/B are set to prevent problems in the new system related to four logistics functions that are important to the support of fighter aircraft: supply, logistics information management, maintenance, and transportation.
The purpose of this thesis is to find out which of the main four logistics functions is considered the most appropriate for preventing problems systematically and hence to study how these four functions support the Gripen 39 C/D. Two methods are used in this thesis together with the lessons learned from the existing system to discover this information.
The results of the analysis show that supply is the main logistics function that will cause possible future logistics problems in supporting the new-generation fighter aircraft, and it is also inclined to outsource most of the logistics functions. The pooling programme is the main process in outsourcing, whereas maintenance is the only function that is not outsourced, due to the fact that it is the core function.
The main conclusion from the analysis conducted is that the stock level of supply and the budgets for the pooling programme should be increased to help prevent problems in the main area that is expected to create future possible problems. Moreover, planning is one of the important processes that can help mitigate any problems that may occur.
Source: Jönköping University
Author: Chantarang, Agkarapol