R&M 2000 action-Plan for tactical missiles

The US Air Force has asked industry assistance in developing R&M 2000 action plans in support of their R&M 2000 initiative. This initiative is aimed at achieving increased combat capability through emphasis on improving reliability and maintainability (R&M). The philosophy and framework for the action plan developed by Hughes Missile Systems Group is discussed. The plan has three basic parts: analysis, strategy, and identification of the steps or critical paths for its implementation. Analysis of the performance of fielded tactical missiles is an essential first step since the R&M 2000 concept is based on extrapolating current performance. A feature of this analysis is a pragmatic blending of real-world experience and reliability theory. Analyses must also include a determination of the real needs of the user and a determination of meaningful figures of merit that makes sense to the user