Logistics Composite Model 1.0 (LCOM 1.0)

Logistics Composite Model (LCOM) is an approved Air Force computer simulation program to determine aircraft maintenance manpower requirements. LCOM is a family of programs consisting of data preparation programs, a main simulation program, and a series of post processors. LCOM study objectives may differ widely, but the usual one is to identify the best mix of logistical resources to support a given weapon system under certain operational constraints. Constraints include aircraft sortie rates, maintenance and supply policies, and spares quantities (in any combination) just to name a few. Logistics resources include manpower, spare parts, support equipment or facilities. The flexibility and various features of LCOM makes it ideal for conducting sensitivity and “what if” analyses which makes this model well suited for application during weapons system acquisition. The impact of policy decisions (organizational, maintenance concepts, personnel, etc.) upon resource requirements or sortie generation capability can be addressed as well. Similarly the supportability of design alternatives can be evaluated by varying the reliability and maintainability characteristics of the components and tasks contained in the database. LCOM is a flexible and versatile model. It simulates the work of a maintenance organization or any other environment that is “event driven”. LCOM simulation for manpower is a search for the optimal balance between logistics resources and sortie generation potential. The interaction of any of the factors can be studied in virtually any level of detail the analyst requires. Since 1972, when LCOM was adopted as an Air Force standard, the model's most important use has been in establishing aircraft maintenance manpower requirements. A large portion of the Air Force aircraft maintenance workforce is justified through LCOM simulation. Its connection to the Air Force budget process gives LCOM practical significance.