Application of Queueing Thory to Phased Array Radar Maintenance Problems

Potentially high levels of reliability are inherent in the phased array radar concept if advantage is taken of its graceful degradation characteristics through careful design and provision for proper maintenance support. This paper will be specifically directed to the maintenance problem associated with the replacement and repair of the transmitter and/or receiver modules in the array. The application of queueing theory to aid in the solution of these problems is shown through an illustrative example. The queueing model is also used as quantitative criteria for making tradeoff studies in the determination of the number of repair facilities and spare modules required.