Flight Test Reliability Demonstration of Electronic Engine Controls

Assuming an agressive development program, the reliability of digital electronic components is, in part, a function of total operating time. This paper predicts that a reliability evaluation program of transport engine digital electronic controls, conducted before the engine enters service, will improve the initial reliability of the control by a factor of two. Design, quality, and/or manufacturing process defects, exposed to the engine/ flight environment will be identified and corrected before the control enters service.