ON THE DOUBLE


BUILDING A TWIN


A digital twin and a simultaneous digital thread for additive manufacturing (DTAM) are twinned processes, from beginning to end. (Graphic by Deloitte Development LLC)


“We will be able to print parts, but we may not want to advance-manufacture airwor- thiness or critical safety items today based on the technology available. However, having a digital model for these complex parts sets the groundwork for the future,” Myers said. “Tere’s going to be levels of who can print what. It’ll be very controlled and tied to specific roles to ensure trace- ability.”


Advanced manufacturing, using the digital thread and twin technologies, ulti- mately will help improve the supply chain, reducing the lead time on part acquisition and potentially allowing for on-site part production for quick repairs.


“We’re already engaged with Wichita State to look at some composite advanced manu- facturing of parts,” Myers said. Tey are


working with the university to determine appropriate processes and what might be missing in the AMCOM advanced manu- facturing strategy, she added.


AMCOM is also pursuing other advanced manufacturing efforts with different universities—like Auburn University in Alabama—“and the Army looks forward to realizing there’s a lot of value to be gained by partnering with academia, especially where they have research on the front end,” Myers said.


CONCLUSION Te digital twin technology will help improve supply and maintenance for current aircraft like the Black Hawk. But if AMCOM can improve its processes and skills, identify the right software and pinpoint gaps in policy and procedure, it


will help to inform the people, process and technology decisions as it moves forward.


“Gen. Royar’s just really leaning forward to make sure that not only is he helping the Soldier today, but that we keep help- ing Soldiers for years to come,” Myers said.


For more information, contact the AMCOM Data and Analytics Center at usarmy. redstone.amcom.list.data--analytics@mail. mil.


JACQUELINE M. HAMES is an editor with Army AL&T magazine. She holds a B.A. in creative writing from Christopher Newport University. She has more than 10 years of experience writing and editing news and feature articles for publication.


90


Army AL&T Magazine


Fall 2021


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