Simulation models for the feasibility and reworking study of aircrafts

In this paper Authors describe a methodology to project the production flow of the reworking activities for a twin turbo-engine aircraft and to evaluate its feasibility and efficacy by a simulation model built to improve the characteristics of the reworking. The company described in this work, Piaggio Aero Industries, specialises in executive class airplanes. The product object of this study, called P166, used by the italian army for search and rescue, is the result of complex manufacturing processes. The reworking procedure has a strategic meaning for the company Piaggio Aero-Industries because of the foreseen need to rework the whole fleet of flying P166 in a near future. The maintenance of aircraft it’s a very important phase both for safety reason as for it’s complexity and higher costs. The main goal of this study is to combine customer needed and company necessity. Obviously a maintenance process requires a great attention and control from the deliveries time and the quality point of view. The paper shows the different phases in which the study was developed. Authors describe the use of simulation in addressing interrelated issues such as final product due date determination, supply requirements, suppliers relationship management, work centre loading and work-in process control.