System Engineering Approach to Reduce Life Cycle Cost

Corrosion is an interdisciplinary problem that affects the life-cycle of a system.  Corrosion can happen on any part of a weapon system that is exposed to the elements; this includes the airframe, engines, avionics, etc.  This is the very reason why Systems Engineers need to be involved in corrosion prevention and control plans.  Although most modern weapon systems are required to have corrosion prevention and control plan, it is usually disregarded or overlooked in the systems engineering process favoring a faster and cost effective design.  

The impact of corrosion and the cost to maintain corrosion can be significantly reduced if it is implemented in the systems engineering process throughout the life-cycle of a system.  System Engineers need to understand the severity of corrosion.  When it is overlooked or simply disregarded, the cost of sustainment could be in the billions. The best way for System Engineers to reduce the impact of corrosion is to include it in the system engineering process during every phase of its acquisition.  After every design change, a materiel change or even a manufacturing change occurs an assessment of corrosion is vital.  If this step is taken, the impact and cost of corrosion will decrease dramatically.