In-service reliability, maintainability and testability demonstrations-15 years of experience

Although conducting an ISRMTD can be expensive and time consuming there is much that can be learned from the data that is collected if care is taken during the planing period. If financial withholds are placed on the successful completion of the demonstration then it can focus the attention of the supplier, although this should not be taken as an absolute. Even with progressive assurance there is still a need to show, beyond reasonable doubt, that the R, M & T parameters have been achieved. Whilst it may be possible to achieve this 'on paper' for some simpler equipment, it is considered that this would be very difficult to achieve for high complexity equipment. The need to conduct some form of in service demonstration is still extant and will be for some time to come. Given that the primary purpose of the equipment is for use in war-fighting it is imperative that the equipment works when required and keeps on working. When in a hostile environment the operator is not interested in how much money can be claimed back against the warranty, he or she wants to know that the equipment will work.