Using MIL217 HDBK F it is possible to define a figure of merit for different system architectures (usually in terms of Mean Time Before Failure MTBF). The benefit of this analysis is that it is easy to identify components of lower reliability and therefore mitigate against potential field failures.

We can perform manual calculations of reliability and use reliability software (e.g. Relex) as well as providing component derating documentation and performing destructive testing (such as HALT/ HASS) to demonstrate operational design margins.