1. A method for evaluating a lightning/high intensity radiated field (HIRF) protection effectiveness of a vehicle design, said method performed using a computer system coupled to a database, said method comprising: storing in the database design service life goals and critical characteristics for at least one lightning/HIRF protection component; storing in the database a potential for degradation of the at least one component, the potential for degradation based at least partially on a position where the component is to be installed; and determining continued functionality of the at least one component using the computer system to compare the vehicle design to the stored design service life goals.