Survivability Approach to Increase the Resilience of Critical Systems

The survivability approach necessitates a vulnerability assessment, which quantifies the likelihood that a platform will be rendered inoperative when exposed to a threat—whether man-made or natural. This concept is closely tied to survivability, defined as the probability that a platform will complete its assigned mission. Detection and potential exposure to a threat can significantly reduce a system’s survivability. As a result, vulnerability evaluation has become a critical aspect of designing platforms that operate in high-risk environments. Numerous techniques have been developed for vulnerability assessment, with many studies aimed at achieving increasingly accurate evaluations to improve the reliability and safety of mechanical systems. Notably, in 1985, Ball introduced the concept of survivability, outlining various design solutions and techniques for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Since then, several vulnerability assessment programs have been launched, leading to the creation of some of the most resilient platforms in use today. The assessment of vulnerability plays a key role in determining solutions to enhance the likelihood of a system successfully completing its mission. In this context, this paper presents the application of in-house software to analyze a fixed-wing Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). The model used to validate the software’s capabilities was developed using publicly available data, enabling a practical demonstration of the software’s functionality. Applied to this case study, the software assesses the RPAS vulnerability against various impact threats. The software not only evaluates vulnerability but also suggests protective solutions to mitigate it. This application demonstrates how the software can enhance the reliability and safety of an existing operational system while also showcasing its potential for use during the preliminary design phase of a broader range of platforms.