merlin support and spares availabilty system (MssaS)

Lockheed Martin’s Merlin Support and Spares Availability System (MSSAS), an innovative programme which commenced in November 1998, supplies spare parts and repair services for Merlin Mk1. The initial five year contract, under which Lockheed Martin was rewarded on its ability to provide 'the right part in the right place at the right time', covered the complete helicopter except for the engines.  The MSSAS programme was integrated with the dedicated Post Design Services and Obsolescence Management Service for the 44 Mk1 aircraft.  Lockheed Martin's Support Engineering team helped the MoD manage the risks of introducing an immature weapon system into service with the Royal Navy.

MSSAS has been a cost-effective, single point for spares support for all Merlin unique equipment, from washers and helicopter main gearboxes to mission computers.  It has supported operations from two principal airbases in the UK, as well as deployed operations at sea and ashore in the Middle East.  MSSAS success has been based on accurate modelling of the dynamics of the total support infrastructure, predicting future requirements for spares and repairs and resolving the immaturity issues before they impacted the fleet.  The programme procures spares, manages the dedicated warehouse and undertakes all inventory activities (including contractor repairs).  MSSAS also manages transportation and distribution within the UK and helps maintain the overall capability of the Merlin weapon system.  Importantly, it also explores and records what is happening to the system over time and can then respond by using that data to design and implement improvements anywhere within the system.  MSSAS is managed with a comprehensive Logistics Management Systems suite to meet the challenging demands of Contractor Logistic Support (CLS) in providing enterprise-wide visibility of assets throughout the supply chain and is the product of a continual enhancement programme in co-operation with both the Customer and Suppliers.  

MSSAS and its associated support contracts were extended in 2003 for a further two years and refined to concentrate upon Mission System availability for Active Dipping Sonar, Sonics, Comms, Radar, Data Link for the Merlin Mk1 fleet until November 2005.  Under the new contract, Lockheed Martin has also become responsible for management of the Merlin Depth Avionic Workshop at the Merlin Operating Base and has set the benchmark for future Integrated Merlin Operational Support activities.

It is anticipated that all Merlin Support contracts will be subsumed into the Integrated Merlin Operational Support (IMOS) Programme during 2005.

Links:

• Merlin HM MK1
• Merlin Training System (MTS)
• Merlin Capability Sustainment Plus (MCSP) and Future Merlin