Value of Test and Evaluation to the Warfighter
Abstract
The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), the Air Force Test Center (AFTC), and the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center (USAFWC) contribute significantly to acquisition by executing test and evaluation of new capabilities and upgraded systems. Nothing that they do, however, directly benefits them. Instead, all that the test personnel of AFOTEC, AFTC, and USAFWC accomplish serves to support the warfighter. The issues that plagued the YF-100 Super Sabre, the revealing operational tests of the Tactical Air Control Party-Modernization Vehicular Communication System HMMMV, quick turn tests of the Very Low Collateral Damage Weapon, or the potential of mobile command and control for a future fight demonstrated the need for test and evaluation professionals and their work. Whether conducted to verify safe aircraft operations, to test the utility of ground systems in realistic combat conditions, to supply joint urgent operational needs, to provide a weapon to meet both military and political requirements, or to equip personnel with mobile communications, these test and evaluation projects provided no direct advantage to testers, but could prove crucial to the warfighter in the field.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 18, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1180112
Entities
People
- Stephanie Smith
Organizations
- Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center