MIL-HDBK-217F, MILITARY HANDBOOK: RELIABILITY PREDICTION OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (2 DEC 1991)., The purpose of this handbook is to establish and maintain consistant and uniform methods for estimating the inherent reliability (i.e., the reliability of a mature design) of military electronic equipment and systems. It provides a common basis for reliability predictions during acquisition programs for military electronic systems and equipment. It also establishes a common basis for comparing and evaluating reliability predictions of related or competitive designs. The handbook is intended to be used as a tool to increase the reliability of the equipment being designed.