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Journal of Statistics and Management Systems

(Since 1998)
Open Access ·Peer-reviewed·ISSN (Online): 2169-0014·ISSN (Print): 0972-0510
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The Journal of Statistics and Management Systems (JSMS) is a world leading journal publishing high quality, rigorously peer-reviewed original research on theoretical and applied statistics and management systems since 1998. The scope is intentionally broad, but papers must make a novel contribution to the field to be considered for publication. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: • Statistics • Applied Statistics • Industrial Statistics • Statistical Inference • Interdisciplinary role of Statistics • Actuarial Sciences • Decision Sciences • Managerial Aspects • Management Sciences • Management Information Systems

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Journal of Statistics and Management Systems
Open Access Research Article

Evaluating reliability and cost-effectiveness of smoke detection systems in aircraft cargo compartments

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pp. 413–429Vol. 29Issue 4April 2026DOI: 10.47974/JSMS-1572XML
Received:
02 Jun 2025
Published Online:
21 Mar 2026
Article type:
Research Article
Language:
EN
Article no.:
JSMS-1572
Pages:
413–429

Abstract

Photoelectric smoke detectors serve as the primary fire detection systems within civil aviation cargo compartments, yet they frequently experience high rates of false alarms, with FAA data indicating that up to 99% of alarms are erroneous. This research introduces an advanced reliability model designed to evaluate how smoke detector failures affect aircraft operations. The study categorizes failures into minor, major, and replacement-required scenarios and employs the regenerative point technique to analyze essential performance metrics, including transition probabilities and mean time to system failure (MTSF). Furthermore, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis explores the economic consequences associated with varying levels of system reliability. Results demonstrate that improved reliability significantly reduces flight schedule disruptions, directly enhancing both operational safety and profitability. The research specifically examines a configuration involving two smoke detectors in the forward cargo compartment and four in the aft compartment, with alerts delivered through cargo smoke panel indicators and Master Warning chimes. The findings underline the critical importance of regular maintenance and calibration to decrease false alarms triggered by mechanical faults or environmental influences, thus optimizing system performance and enhancing aviation safety.

Keywords

Fire preventionPhotoelectric smoke detectorsRegenerative point techniqueSystem effectivenessMaintenance and calibrationSystem reliability

Subject Classifications

90B2568M1560N05

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