Automatic Test Systems: Unique vs. Common-Core Management; Journal article

摘要

Historically, individual system program offices developed and replaced unique automatic test systems (ATS) to support single weapon systems. However, significant increases in deployment footprints, parts obsolescence, and greater sustainment challenges led to a change in acquisition policy that favored common-core ATS that support multiple weapon systems. To date, the common-core ATS initiative has garnered little support due to a lack of substantive data supporting the expected benefits in a practical setting. Our research used a case-study approach to compare two common-core ATS programs to two weapon system-unique ATS programs. It was discovered that a lack of funding is the most critical obstacle to common-core ATS program success.