Project Summary

In collaboration with the Jericho Disruption Innovation Program, our team developed Delphi, a cutting-edge aircraft fleet management system designed to meet the evolving needs of the RAAF. Built with agility at its core, Delphi enables real-time fleet management, allowing aviators to respond to operational demands with speed and precision. The system has already proven its value in optimising fleet availability, reducing complexity, and improving the overall operational readiness of the Air Force.

Challenge

RAAF faced a significant challenge in managing its fleet after a major hailstorm in October 2021 impacted a substantial portion of its P-8A Poseidon aircraft at Edinburgh Air Base. The impact disrupted existing fleet plans, rendering them unusable and severely limiting aircraft availability. Their existing fleet management processes were cumbersome, slow, and incapable of responding to sudden, large-scale disruptions. The RAAF urgently needed a fleet management solution that could be rapidly deployed and dynamically adjust to changing operational conditions.

The challenge was to develop a system that could rapidly adapt to unforeseen events, optimise fleet availability, and allow aviators to continue executing missions without delay.

Solution

In response to this urgent need, we developed Delphi — a sophisticated, agile aircraft fleet management system tailored specifically to the needs of the RAAF. In just three weeks, Delphi was re-engineered to address the immediate crisis and put the P-8A Poseidon fleet back on track.

Key features of the Delphi system include:

Real-Time Fleet Optimisation

Delphi enables fleet planners to make quick adjustments to aircraft availability based on the latest operational data. This feature proved invaluable after the hailstorm, allowing the RAAF to optimise fleet readiness and ensure flights could continue.

Agile Response to Change

Delphi’s agile software methodology ensures that it can be continuously adapted to meet evolving requirements. Whether responding to environmental events or mission changes, Delphi provides a flexible platform that empowers aviators with real-time data and actionable insights.

AI-Driven Decision Support

By incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), Delphi assisted fleet planners in making informed decisions about aircraft availability, maintenance needs, and operational priorities.

Delphi’s user-friendly interface, powered by cutting-edge technology, delivered exactly what the RAAF needed — a platform that streamlined fleet management, reduced manual processes, and provided real-time insights into fleet status.

Outcome

The implementation of Delphi has already proven its value by restoring fleet availability in the wake of the 2021 hailstorm and providing the RAAF with a flexible, real-time fleet management solution. More importantly, Delphi laid the groundwork for a scalable, future-proof system that can evolve alongside Defence’s needs.

Rapid Response to Crisis - Within three weeks, Delphi was re-engineered to help the RAAF respond to the hailstorm and optimise fleet availability.

Improved Operational Efficiency - By streamlining fleet management processes, Delphi allowed aviators to focus on high-value activities, strengthening overall Air Force capability.

Scalable Agile Solution - The agile nature of Delphi ensures it can continuously adapt and be scaled across other fleets, positioning it as a long-term strategic tool for Australia’s Defence.

Conclusion

The success of Delphi highlights the importance of developing agile, AI-powered solutions to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the modern Defence environment. By delivering real-time insights, optimising aircraft availability, and providing a scalable platform, Delphi strengthens the operational capabilities of the RAAF.

The responsible use of AI in Delphi is particularly notable, as it empowers aviators by removing operational frustrations and allowing them to focus on mission-critical tasks. Delphi’s ongoing development and future scalability demonstrate the long-term value of agile innovation in enhancing Defence capabilities.