Reliability engineering efforts at U.S. Army Armaments Research Development and Engineering Center

Abstract

To achieve the goals of meeting Warfighters' requirements and maximizing reliability, Armament design engineers and program managers must pursue a scalable, tailorable and flexible reliability engineering program prior to Department of Defense (DoD) Milestone B. Milestone B is the point at which a recommendation is made regarding continuation of an acquisition program into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase. Early reliability engineering influence provides more time efficiency and minimizes redesign and retest that would result from unforeseen requirements ambiguity and test failures later in the acquisition process. The U.S. Army Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) Quality Engineering and System Assurance Directorate's “Design for Reliability Process” provides a systematic procedure for planning and performing reliability engineering for new munitions, weapons and fire control systems. This paper presents the basis for the design for reliability process and tools that have been proven instrumental in designing in the reliability of armaments throughout the acquisition life cycle. While designing in reliability is expected to be more cost effective during sustainment and operational life cycle phases, a well-executed reliability engineering program will also minimize technical, performance, schedule and cost risks in the materiel solution, technology, and product development acquisition phases.