Improvement of Weapon Systems Reliability Through Reliability Improvement Warranties.
Abstract
This report outlines the basic causes of poor weapon systems reliability. These include: (1) Military requirements that demand greater improvements in capability over improvements in reliability; (2) Inadequate development testing; and (3) The lack of incentive for producers of military hardware to increase reliability. The author explores the use of warranties by commerical airlines and its introduction into the Department of Defense. Next, he analyzes two USAF applications of Reliability Improvement Warranties (RIW)-- the F-111 displacement gyro and the ARN-118 TACAN--using data current through the end of CY 1976 in order to extract initial lessons learned. He recommends: Continued emphasis on testing improvements; Higher initial utilization of newly warranted equipments; Education and evaluation of maintenance and supply personnel in RIW procedures; Higher priorities for movement of failed units to contractor facilities; evaluation of a Swedish approach which utilizes military depots and existing logistics pipelines for servicing RIWs and continued allocation of resources to improve reliability state-of-the-art.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA042932
Entities
People
- John D. Shmoldas
Organizations
- Defense Systems Management College