Determining the availability on a system of systems network

The Research Institute at the University of Alabama in Huntsville has developed a method of performing an availability analysis on a system of systems network. The goal of this process is to determine the overall availability for the entire network based up on the LRU (Line Replaceable Unit) and the design configuration of each of the systems. By examining the MTTR (Mean Time To Replace), MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) and the ALDT (Administrative and Logistical Downtime) for the LRU's, we can see how these factors have an effect on the operational and inherent availability from the LRU through the system level and how it correlates to the availability for an entire system of systems network. This paper presents the methodology on how to build an availability model for a system of systems network. An analysis can be performed to determine the operational and inherent availability of a single part to a network of systems and the potential benefits of performing such an analysis, based upon the criteria specified.