An Integrated Trade-off Analysis of the Influence of Reliability on Conceptual Design

This article presents research aimed at creating models to assess the system dependability of Unmanned Ground Vehicles by utilising knowledge and data from analogous systems. Conventional reliability methodologies often need comprehensive understanding of a system and are employed throughout later design phases, as well as in development, operational testing and evaluation, and operations. The essential importance of reliability and its influence on acquisition program performance, cost, and schedule necessitates the enhancement of system reliability models throughout the initial design phases. Reliability is frequently seen as an independent criterion, not completely integrated into performance and life cycle cost models. This research aims to include reliability, performance, and cost models inside a trade-off analysis framework during the initial acquisition phases. This study uses functional analysis techniques to evaluate reliability prior to Milestone A and examine the influence of reliability on the performance and cost models of initial system conceptions. This research uses the indexed technological readiness level (TRL) to determine varying dependability levels for design. A comprehensive cost and performance model will guide decision-makers with the implications of dependability prior to selecting a system design for future development.