A unique element in the proposed system's technological chain is the use of prognostics -- the warning systems built into the F/A-18s and other advanced military hardware that can detect unusual mechanical performance and analyze a likely cause, Gabriel said.

"The goal is to develop sensors within the platform -- in this particular case, the F/A 18 aircraft -- to detect failures and to broadcast these failures to the maintenance crew before the aircraft lands," he said. That allows them "enough time to understand where that landing aircraft ought to be located on the shipboard, or to be ... prepared for what is needed to repair the aircraft very quickly, if that's possible, so they'll have better management of the fleet activities."

If the project is successful, Gabriel said, the Navy could use it to improve its logistics support for the entire fleet.

"If we get smarter about what we put into the supply chain, we can help transform the way military units operate," says William Lucyshyn, co-investigator on the project and director of research at the Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise. "With the F/A-18s, the goal is to reduce the downtime and maximize the fighting force -- while still reducing the support costs. This can make a significant difference in military effectiveness."