Design-for-Repair Concept Definition Volume II. Detailed Analyses.

Current techniques used in the equipment design process have not improved avionics repairability to the level expected. This limitation on repairability results primarily from the maintenance concepts currently implemented and repairability techniques being designed in after the system design has been frozen. Subsequently, maintainability, repairability, availability, and supportability of AF equipment suffers during its inter-usable lifetime. The objective of this study was to identify and define Design-for-Repair Concepts which show the greatest potential for enhancing Air Force avionic maintenance. By identifying design and support problems associated with existing systems, design features required for implementation of an appropriate Design-for-Repair Concept or Concepts were then identified. This technical report includes the approach taken and the rationale on which Design-for-Repair Concepts were selected. The work conducted under this effort and the selected Design-for-Repair Concepts will formulate the baseline for the following phase of the effort, Design-for-Repair Methodology Guideline Development. This Phase II effort will provide the design engineer with methodologies and guidelines for designing repairability and maintainability into avionic equipment during the early design phases. Author