Systems engineering for test: Implementation of test strategy & architecture at raytheon missile systems

A well conceived test strategy helps to create affordable products that provide our customers the capabilities they desire to do their jobs. Life Cycle Test strategies provide early awareness in defining concepts and objectives for product testing through all stages of the product life cycle. Without an adequate life cycle test strategy, product development may lose the focus required to deliver a reliable, cost effective and capable product to the customer. The unintended consequences associated with an ill defined test strategy include: · Excessive engineering and manufacturing tests and rework leading to excessive manufacturing costs · Out of phase failures during critical tests or manufacturing · Operational test failures due to poor system suitability · Expensive and late test equipment · Unaffordable All up Round Unit Production Costs (AUPC) This paper presents the approach used at Raytheon Missile Systems to develop a disciplined approach to test strategy & architecture.