The potential use of reliability growth curves in management of weapon systems

Abstract

This paper explores the potential use of Reliability Growth Curves as a means by which the program manager can monitor and measure the reliability growth of a weapon system. The present reliability policies associated with weapon system acquisition are reviewed. Examination of three weapon system's Request for Proposals show how these policies are implemented. MIL-STD 785A, which provides the guidelines for reliability programs, is also reviewed and is followed by a discussion of the weaknesses of today's policies. This sets the stage for the presentation of the proposed method that will enable the program manager to control the reliability growth of new weapon systems,