A decision support model for valuing proposed improvements in component reliability

Abstract

Developing a methodology and a tool for estimating the operational availability (Ao) of a weapon system based on the component-level reliability and maintainability data is the goal of this research. Specifically, we present two spreadsheet models and one discrete-event simulation model using Arena simulation language. The first two models support lifecycle cost calculations and are static in nature. The third model incorporates the interactions among reliability, time to repair and operational availability into a discrete-event simulation model that can support a weapon-system-level risk analysis. These models are developed as proof-of-concept to demonstrate the potential methodology using hypothetical, yet realistic data.