Installation and Checkout Test

During the Installation and Checkout Test phase the qualified/approved hardware (H/W) and software (S/W) are installed in the test aircraft(s) and tested on the ground. These tests also utilize systems as needed that are already on the aircraft.

Inputs

1. 1. Flight test aircraft(s).
2. 2. Temporary: 1–X (T: 1 − X) installation kit(s) containing H/W and S/W to be installed, as well as the instructions for performing and checking the installation; X = number of Flight Test Aircrafts.
3. 3. Ground test procedures.
4. 4. Ground test instrumentation equipment and data.
5. 5. Ground support equipment.

Process

Instructions for performing the installation, usually included in the Temporary: 1 − X (T: 1 − X) Package, are performed. In addition, installation instructions are certified during Kit-Proof for subsequent use during the Production phase. Integration and Check-Out (I&CO) tests are conducted using detailed test procedures developed as part of ground test planning activities. During I&CO testing, system-level requirements that do not require in-flight conditions may be formally verified.

During this phase the customer(s) may witness OEM’s testing, and they may also conduct additional test procedures that they have developed to meet their own test objectives. The joint test planning process identifies where the OEM-conducted testing satisfies the customer(s)’ test objectives.

Outputs

1. 1. Instrumentation data resulting from the ground testing.
2. 2. Ground test result sections for subsequent inclusion in the Ground and Flight Test Report.
3. 3. Anomaly reports, as needed.
4. 4. Updated Requirements Trace Matrix/Verification Cross-Reference Matrix (RTM/VCM).
5. 5. Certification of the modification/installation instructions.
6. 6. Approval and Clearance notices.
7. 7. Configuration Index letters.

Milestone Reviews

A Ground Test Readiness Review (GTRR) is conducted to assure readiness of the equipment (including the test aircraft and instrumentation), test and analysis procedures, and responsible personnel to begin ground testing. GTRR may be conducted prior to installation of the S/W for S/W updates only.