Accuracy quantification for integrated diagnostics

The author describes a rigorous process for the derivation of diagnostic accuracy requirements from the statement of operational need (SON) for a proposed weapon system. The process consists of the establishment of models for each of the figures of merit that are prescribed for the weapon system that relates these figures of merit to the design variables (including diagnostic accuracy). The models allow the design engineer to identify the degree of attainment of the weapon system goals in a quantitative manner, and to perform trade studies to weigh various design approaches for achieving the SON requirements. The design parameters that are proposed for diagnostic accuracy are misses or hits and false faults. The author suggests answers to the following: how are diagnostic accuracy requirements derived from weapon system level metrics included in high level requirements documents; and how does the detail designer achieve the diagnostic accuracy requirements that are allocated to his weapon system component.<>