Reliability, Maintainability and Risk, 8th Edition

Chapter 15. Predicting and Demonstrating Repair Times

15.1. Prediction Methods

The best-known methods for maintainability prediction are described in US Military Handbook 472. The methods described in this handbook, although applicable to a range of equipment developed at that time, have much to recommend them and are still worth attention. Unfortunately, the quantity of data required to develop these methods of prediction is so great that, with increasing costs and shorter design lives, it is unlikely that models will continue to be developed. On the other hand, calculations requiring the statistical analysis of large quantities of data lend themselves to computer methods and the rapid increase of these facilities makes such a calculation feasible ...