What does operational availability include?

Operational availability is a comprehensive measure that assesses the readiness and usability of a system in its operational environment. It is calculated by considering the total time the system is available for use, which includes not only the operational time when the system functions properly but also takes into account various factors such as logistics, administrative delays, and maintenance times.

Including logistics and administrative delay times in operational availability is crucial because these factors directly influence how long a system can be deployed effectively. For example, if there are delays in logistical support or administrative processes that affect the system's operation, these will impact its overall availability in the field. Therefore, operational availability provides a more realistic and holistic view of how effectively a system can be utilized, encompassing all aspects that could hinder its readiness, not just the time spent in operation.

In contrast, the other options center around narrower definitions that do not reflect the full scope of operational availability. They limit the consideration to specific aspects such as only the time the system functions properly, maintenance times, or production of new units, which do not provide an accurate representation of overall system readiness.