Theory and Practice of Integrated Test for Navy Programs

摘要

The role of test and evaluation (T&E) is to provide acquisition program decision makers at all levels with information on a weapon system's effectiveness and suitability. T&E supports validation of the weapon system's capabilities and limitations and their associated concept of operations. T&E is an integral part of the systems engineering process, where contractor test, developmental test, live fire test, and operational test all contribute to design understanding, design iteration, and ultimately design confirmation. T&E results are needed to support the formal Department of Defense (DOD) acquisition decision making process from early phases through life cycle management, to include technology development phase, engineering and manufacturing development phase, production and deployment of system phase, and planned product improvements. T&E is most effective and efficient when it is conducted early in a program with direct assimilation to the systems engineering plan and integrated with related activities. In response to findings and recommendations from past T&E process studies and today's acquisition policy, the U.S. Navy has implemented integrated testing within its weapon systems programs and within its T&E enterprise. Results, although at times difficult to measure, indicate that the benefits in terms of cost avoidance and schedule reductions for Navy programs have been positive. Challenges abound, but lessons learned have been identified and best practices are being shared as discussed in this article.