Development and Optimization of Flight Test Proposals

Brooks Faurot, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Flight Test

Abstract

Objectives: This presentation will address Development and Optimization of New Flight Test Proposals and Continuation of Existing Proposals from the point of view of an Aircraft Integrator. The process for documenting the relationship between the contractor and customer and defining the flight test requirements will be explored.

Approach: Successful Flight Test Programs are initiated with detailed and coordinated Flight Test proposals. The flight test proposal consists of the following elements:

Types of testing required
Prerequisites to test
	Aircraft Ground tests
Lab tests  
	Analysis
Test location
	Ranges and infrastructure 
Test assets
	Reuse of existing assets
	Acquisition of new assets
Instrumentation of Test Aircraft
	Design
	Procurement
	Manufacturing Process: Fabrication and Installation
	Checkout
Ground Test Equipment
Support Aircraft Requirements 
Flight Test Data Processing Requirements 
Government Provided Equipment
Supplier support
Airborne Software Requirements 
Test aircraft Modifications
	Modification Documents
	Coordination with the production process
	Multiple modification sites
Estimated test flights
Flight Test Plans 
Flight Test Reports
For each of these elements, the following must be considered 

Schedule
Statement of Work Preparation
Cost Estimates 
Manpower
Safety 
Risk Assessment

Conclusions: Strategy for success will be developed using these elements which will provide lessons learned for inclusion of test requirements in winning proposals.