Airframe Production

Abstract

In reviewing some of the factors which have influenced the production development of aircraft during the recent war, the paper focuses the analytical attention of engineers on to the very large technical and manufacturing resources employed: over forty per cent of the whole munition effort of the country. Some comparison is made between the experience of the United Kingdom and that of the U.S.A., the broad conclusion being drawn that technically production methods have been similar, that peak production (having in mind the relative populations), has been comparable, although American outputs have been much higher per man-hour. In some British factories where sufficient concentration has been possible, man-hours have also been comparable with those of the U.S.A. The paper gives some general indications of cost for various elements of aircraft production—e.g. engineering design, provision of manufacturing facilities, tooling, materials, etc.—and it discusses the relationship between the quantity made and the continual reduction of man-hours commonly experienced during the production period. The general problems are examined of meeting the Services' changing demands, of co-ordination of manufacturing through groups, and of material standardization and supply.