Vertical commonality through the use of Ada in ATE systems

The focus of the United States Air Force logistics support is on organic depot support at initial operational capability (IOC), two-level maintenance and factory/field test commonality. It is pointed out that accomplishing these objectives affordably requires changing the current approach to automatic test equipment (ATE) systems development. It is suggested that Ada offers a unique opportunity to have a single-language solution for prime mission equipment (PME) and ATE at all levels of support. The use of Ada provides the framework for reducing software development and integration costs, maximizing reuse of software, achieving factory/field test commonality, and fielding a more mature product at IOC