Citation

Sledge DJ. Reliab. Eng. 1982; 3(5): 345-361.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0143-8174(82)90002-6

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The importance of reliability and maintainability in reducing support costs for RAF weapon systems is emphasised. The specification of reliability requirements, their place in the procurement cycle and the way they are formulated are described. The paper outlines the achievement of reliability in service with examples from Tornado and Hawk projects and the importance of adequate work plans, testing and proving is stated. Lessons learned in the 1970s include the need to pay more attention to reliability during acquisition, treating it as a major project parameter; life cycle cost assessment must take place early in a project. Specification, proving, in-service assessment and incentive contracting for reliability are addressed as problems to be overcome. A look at the future includes the AFD policy for reliability as presently set out in DCAD 1/77 and the need for better contracting and contractor selection.