The influence of reliability on conceptual design is analysed via the lens of an integrated trade-off analysis

This article details studies that used data and information from similar systems to build models that evaluate the reliability of Unmanned Ground Vehicles. The following stages of design, development, operational testing and evaluation, and operations all make use of conventional dependability approaches, which typically necessitate a thorough understanding of the system. Because reliability is so crucial and affects the performance, cost, and timeline of acquisition programs, it is necessary to improve system reliability models throughout the early stages of design. In contrast to performance and life cycle cost models, reliability is often considered as a separate metric. Incorporating cost, performance, and reliability models into a trade-off analysis framework for use at early stages of acquisition is the goal of this research. This study delves into the impact of reliability on the performance and cost models of initial system conceptions, using functional analytic approaches to assess reliability prior to Milestone A. Different degrees of design dependability are defined in this study using the indexed technical readiness level (TRL). In order to help decision-makers navigate the dependability implications of potential system designs, a thorough cost and performance model is available.