Lessons learned developing organic support for avionics equipment

The authors summarize some elements of the test program set (TPS) total quality management (TQM) challenge encountered in providing full organic support to the government for an avionics system. The major issues discussed include vertical testability, automatic test equipment (ATE) immaturity, and TPS maturation. The problems encountered, subsequent actions, and lessons learned are addressed. It is concluded that a TQM approach must be employed for the design implementation and development of a successful TPS throughout the life cycle of the TPS