Integrated diagnostics: needs, technologies and current initiatives

The author discusses management emphasis, technology, and programs which are directed toward improving the diagnostic capability deployed with weapon systems. This approach is termed integrated diagnostics and is defined as a structured process which maximizes the effectiveness of diagnostics by integrating testability, automatic and manual testing, training, maintenance aiding, and technical information. These elements are combined into an optimum mix resulting from a tradeoff process to provide a cost-effective capability to detect and unambiguously isolate all faults known or expected to occur in weapon systems to satisfy weapon system mission requirements. Products of this process are hardware, software documentation, and trained personnel to effect the selected testing strategy