ABSTRACT
Systems with units arranged in spatially distributed configurations are commonly found in many applications, such as power distribution and power generation systems. Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAV) are another example of spatially distributed systems, with rotors distributed circularly in balanced configurations. UAVs have potential uses in military operations, commercial activities and other areas including aerial photography and surveying. However, poor controllability and reliability of the UAVs as well as the potential failures and damage to human lives and properties limit its applications. Hua and Elsayed (2016a,b) estimate the reliability metrics of k-out-of-n pairs:G balanced systems. More complex configurations of UAV systems are being developed where more than one level of rotors are arranged in parallel in order to improve their versatility and expand their applications. Reliability estimation and determination of mission completion of such UAVs are of interest to both the designers and operators of such systems.
