The UH-1/AH-1 Maintainability and Reliability Program has been in operation for six years. This paper briefly reviews the concepts on which the program is based, and outlines the history of the program as background for the main theme of the paper--review and evaluation of the program to determine its validity for use in the future.
The data and analysis output of the program are evaluated in terms of their quality, quantity, and usefulness in making decisions which are significant in Army management of the UH-1/AH-1 production and logistics programs. Statistical tables and plots showing how pertinent factors have varied with time are used to demonstrate the degree to which the program has achieved its objectives of early identification and correction of reliability and maintainability problems.
Each M&R Program task is examined and the lessons learned from experience and the conclusions drawn are presented. This includes, in addition to the contract work statement tasks, the management functions of organization, staffing, training, and channels for decision making.
The scope of the program is evaluated, and the factors limiting it are discussed. The possibility of including additional tasks is considered and some possibilities are suggested. Conclusions drawn throughout the paper are summarized and recommendations are made for improving future M&R Field Programs for the next generation of Army helicopters.