Reliability Cost Effectiveness Through Parts Control and Standardization

Early in the F-lll design effort, an F-lll Parts Control and Standardization Program was developed and implemented through a team of electronic parts specialists from General Dynamics and 12 of the major electronic equipment contractors. Basic objectives of the team were (1) the standardization of common electronic parts by joint evaluation, selection, and use of preferred part types, (2) the preparation of coordinated specification control drawings and recommended suppliers, (3) the formulation of procurement procedures and supplier surveillance procedures to permit economical procurement of the high-quality preferred parts, and (4) exchange of parts data and information and discussion of related program problems. In the selection of preferred part types, the team was primarily concerned with semiconductor devices, resistors, and capacitors. In this area, the number of preferred types approved was reduced substantially from the part types suggested. Air Force and Navy representatives who have attended F-lll Parts Control and Standardization Team meetings have expressed concurrence with the team's philosophy and the requirements of their specification control drawings. Military specifications are being revised and rewritten to incorporate the requirements of the team's specification control drawings. These new and revised specifications for "Proven Performance" parts are scheduled for release prior to this meeting. The F-lll Parts Control and Standardization Program was adopted by General Dynamics/Fort Worth as a voluntary reliability effort. Future Air Force contracts may require such a program; this requirement is currently under consideration.