Establishing the Integrated Test Concept
Abstract
Developing integrated test concepts for aircraft requires close interaction between contractors, acquisition officials, system users, U.S. Air Force test agencies, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Integrated test emphasis within the Department of Defense arrived at a prominent time to make a positive impact on the C-130J, KC-X, E-3 DRAGON,1 and Joint Cargo Aircraft test programs. Mobility and surveillance airframes are exceeding corrosion and fatigue models based on greater flight rates, requiring new assets more swiftly. All stakeholders in the programs have a vested interest in making the test and evaluation program as efficient as possible. This article reviews Department of Defense integrated test concept, identifies operational test characteristics required by public law, and discusses integrated test methods, which comply with law and policy. Implementation challenges are also discussed, including mobility and surveillance aircraft test community methods addressing integrated testing challenges, tracking test events, and identifying integrated test opportunities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA539313
Entities
People
- Douglas F. Kaupa
- Michael A. Whelan
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology