ANALYSIS OF MODELS AND METHODS FOR RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT OF MILITARY PILOTED AIRCRAFT

This article investigates the theoretical and practical aspects of reliability assessment of military piloted aircraft, which is a key task during their testing. An analysis of existing models and methods used to determine reliability indicators such as faultlessness, durability, maintainability, and storability is conducted. As a result, methodological approaches are proposed to evaluate reliability under limited sample sizes and test data. The main focus is on the development of an improved methodology based on experimental design, computational-experimental methods, and expert evaluation. To ensure the effectiveness of testing, it is necessary to develop methods that allow accurate reliability assessments with minimal data. Addressing this issue is particularly important for the Armed Forces of Ukraine under current challenges. The article provides fundamental principles for reliability assessment based on information sources (analytical, experimental, computational-experimental), types of failures (sudden, gradual), and completeness of calculations (complete, approximate). One of the main methodological approaches proposed in the article is the use of experimental design. This method reduces the number of required tests while ensuring high accuracy of the obtained results. Experimental design includes selecting the number of experiments, determining their conditions, and constructing a mathematical model that describes the relationships between system factors and characteristics. For aircraft reliability assessment, calculating safety margins is crucial. These margins characterize the structure’s ability to withstand loads without failure. The article highlights that using high safety margins enhances product reliability, especially under extreme operating conditions. The calculation of safety margins is based on the ratio of permissible to maximum stresses in the structure. Modern computer technologies enable virtual testing of aircraft using mathematical models. This allows for consideration of a wide range of factors and modeling extreme operating conditions, significantly expanding the capabilities of traditional testing methods. Virtual testing optimizes the design phase, reducing time and costs for physical experiments. The proposed methodological approaches for assessing the reliability of piloted aircraft significantly improve testing efficiency and accuracy, reduce costs, and shorten the time required for adopting prototypes into service. Key areas for improvement include implementing experimental design methods, using safety margins, and applying virtual testing models.