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Manufacturing design processes for complex systems, like advanced fighter aircraft, require a special emphasis on human interactions to technical fabrication and assembly functions. The role of the human is being refined as manufacturing processes become more sophisticated. The infusion of human performance requirements into manufacturing design is a sensible approach to achieving efficient, cost-effective manufacturing processes. We will discuss the early input of ergonomics criteria and the benefits of addressing the human interaction in the manufacturing design process.

Three phases of crew-centered design evolution at Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems are described in which organizational, technology, and process influences are considered. Lessons learned in each phase are highlighted. The first phase focuses on the crew-centered design process for the F-16A tactical fighter prior to 1985. During this period a sizable human factors group tackled crew-centered issues in design. In the second phase, spanning a period from 1986 to 1996, the Pilot-Vehicle Interface group refined the aircrew-centered design process for product improvements. The third phase of crew-centered design focuses on the development of formalized processes and tools which can be applied to the design of present and future advanced fighter systems. In this phase, from 1997 and beyond, crew-centered design processes address operation, maintenance, and manufacturing interests across several engineering design disciplines.