Shuttle Car Development

Project Details:

Total Value:     $550 000
Year Completed:    2010
Duration:     5 months

Background:       

The existing fleet of Shuttle Cars used in a mining company’s collieries was considered outdated, with substandard performance. A systematic approach was essential to accurately identify and quantify areas for improvement based on available information. This required a detailed study to establish user requirements, pinpoint systems and components needing enhancement, and define precise technical performance measures.

Description:        

A systems engineering approach was adopted, adhering to MIL-STD-499A for management principles and MIL-STD-490 for defining specifications of the primary items to be developed. The process began with the creation of a comprehensive user requirements document, followed by detailed functional and development specifications. Subsystem trade-off studies were conducted, accompanied by preliminary design and analysis. Maintenance concepts and production cost estimates were developed to inform life cycle cost projections. Additionally, risk management planning and operational principles were established to ensure the project’s success.