System Detail Test and Evaluation (Flight Test)

During the System Detail Test and Evaluation phase, the system is verified and tested in the aircraft environment during flight. SE’s Test Integration function plays a key role in the planning for execution of the flight tests, including development of the detailed flight test procedures.

Inputs

1. 1. Hardware and software end items and systems that have completed formal testing at the end item and system testing, as well as ground-based testing in a real aircraft.
2. 2. Flight test procedures.
3. 3. Flight test instrumentation and associated data.
4. 4. Analysis tools for evaluating the results of flight testing.

Process

Safety of flight certification is completed for the qualified hardware and software, previously loaded into a test platform to support ground test. The test platform also includes instrumentation to support detailed collection and later analysis of flight test results. The predefined flight test procedures are exercised and results collected. Informal impressions from the flight crew are also collected for subsequent review and response.

Following each flight, a debriefing is held to assess the results and help plan the following flights.

SE’s Test Integration function plays a key role in the planning and execution of the flight tests.

Data reduction of test data as collected during the flights is performed and analyzed.

Outputs

1. 1. Collected test data to support postflight data reduction and analysis.
2. 2. Flight test results for incorporation into the Ground and Flight Test Report.
3. 3. Updated Requirements Traceability Matrices/Verification Cross-Reference Matrices (RTM/VCM).
4. 4. Anomaly reports, as needed.
5. 5. Quick Look reports.
6. 6. Operations and Support Hazard Analysis.
7. 7. Final Safety Analysis Report and System Hazard Analysis.
8. 8. Excess Utilities/Capacities Report.
9. 9. Tech Orders (TO), TO Verification, and TO Certification.

Milestone Reviews

Prior to the first test flight for a given set of changes, a First Flight Test Readiness Review (FFTRR) is conducted to assure that all required equipment (including the test aircraft and instrumentation), test and analysis procedures, and personnel are ready to begin flight testing.

For all subsequent test flights, a Mission Readiness Review is conducted to assure a common understanding among all participants as to the goals for that flight (candidate test points to be exercised) and the readiness of the flight instructions and instrumentation to support those test points.