A importância do custo do ciclo de vida para a efetividade do apoio logístico integrado a ser prestado ao submarino de propulsão nuclear brasileiro

Abstract

This research aims to show how the determination of the life-cycle cost of the first Brazilian nuclear submarine --designed and built by the Brazilian Navy Submarines Development Pro-gram (PROSUB)--is being carried out. The perception of a mismatch between the estab-lished levels of performance of this new submarine and the real costs related to such levels triggered the elaboration of the present work. The research presents concepts regarding sever-al areas of knowledge, such as Logistics, Accounting, Systems Engineering, Maintenance Engineering and Integrated Logistics Support, which, since the mid-1960s, have provided a basis for developing a conceptual framework related to the determination of the life-cycle costs of complex systems. Also included is a consideration of the reasons that gave rise to the creation of this cost model by the U.S. government, as well as an analysis of the main theoret-ical aspects of the cost factors which are a part of its structure.Specifically to the Brazilian Navy, it points out how this approach has been applied to cost information, especially that related to the life cycle of the nuclear submarine project. Based on this theoretical study and analytical data, steps were suggested to improve the estimation and monitoring of cost infor-mation within the Brazilian Navy, with special attention to the urgent need for the creation of a team responsible for determining the life-cycle cost of the first Brazilian nuclear submarine. In itsconclusion, the research points out thatPROSUB offers the Brazilian Navy--through both theoretical and practical learning --an opportunity to be a pioneer in Brazil in the area of life-cycle cost, whichunquestionably will be of great value for future acquisitions of complex military systems by the Ministry of Defense.