Logistics, Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety (L-RAMS) for Intelligent, Interconnected, Digital and Distributed (I2D2) Empowered Futuristic Military Systems

Abstract

In the context of the latest generation warfare, logistics, reliability, availability, maintainability and safety (L-RAMS) of military systems shape up optimal decision making for war preparedness and sustainment. The military systems, viz., the weapon systems, the combat support systems, command and control systems, communication systems, gain combat edge and effectiveness on the battlefield when supported with insight of well-Aligned RAMS models. This further influences logistics (L), viz., transportation, fleet management, warehousing, materials handling, inventory management, demand planning, etc., in decision-making loops that are adapted to the battle dynamics and aligned to mission objectives. The anticipated rise of intelligent, interconnected, digital, and distributed (I2D2) technologies in military systems is expected to influence the joint practice of L-RAMS in the military (ML-RAMS). This article explores three pertinent issues, viz., impact of I2D2 on ML-RAMS, possible solution constructs, and I2D2 influenced ML-RAMS problems. It is hoped that the article piques interest of research community in this emerging area. © 1988-2012 IEEE.