An R&M 2000 success story: the ALR-56M

The reliability and maintainability (R&M) program for the ALR-56M F-16 radar warning receiver (RWR) was designed around the US Air Force R&M 2000 process. One of the more unique aspects of the program was that the Air Force used all three motivational principles from R&M 2000 during the RWR competition. These principles included: source selection, performance based progress, and incentives and warranties. These three motivational principles acted as a catalyst that motivated senior management toward innovation in achieving high levels of R&M. Indeed, management involvement is the preeminent principle of R&M 2000. Details of the successful implementation of the R&M 2000 program are presented, focusing on management's leadership and innovation in reliability and maintainability during the ALR-56M development program.<>