Autonomic and sense and respond logistics: evidence from the USA and UK

Abstract

Autonomic and Sense and Respond Logistics are a continuum of logistics support that, in military terms at least, connects the 'foxhole to the factory to the foxhole'. The concept has expanded from its origins in the avaition industry to become an integrated element of a range of civilian enterprises and network centric, military operations. Equipment Health Monitoring Systems have existed for decades. One such system was developed for jet engines in the F-15 and F-16. The Engine Monitoring System consisted of the Engine Diagnostic Unit (EDU) and the Ground Diagnostic Unit (GDU). The EDU monitored and recorded the operating conditions of the aircraft systems. Once the aircraft had completed its mission and had landed, the EDU was connected into the GDU and the data was downloaded so that it could be analysed. This paper presents developments in Autonomic and Sense and Respond Logistics from the USA, UK and Australia.