Electro-optical augmentation (EOA): the electro-optic equipment tester for the 21st century

This paper presents the required and demonstrated test capabilities of the IFTE CTS-EOA and discusses its applicability to both on and off system testing. The development phase of the CTS-EOA was completed in May 1995. The need for a general purpose broadband (0.4 through 12 micrometers), rugged, sealed and lightweight Electro-Optics tester capable of supporting testing from field through factory level for all types of active and passive E-O systems is briefly discussed. The Army with its introduction of The Integrated Family of Test Equipment Contact Test Set Electro-Optical Augmentation (IFTE CTS-EOA) answers this need. The EOA is mounted on the weapon platform in the field for on system testing, or on a work surface or rack mounted for off system testing at the direct, general, depot and factory level. The EOA is composed of two major separable units, one containing the optical train, radiation sources, and sensor measurement devices, and the other containing electronics for command and control, and power. Each unit weighs 37 pounds or less in its transit cases for one soldier portability. The units are designed in a modular fashion with each module performing specific test functions. The performance results from the Formal Qualification Tests (FQT) are presented. The EOA system design demonstrated through FQT that it meets or exceeds its specified and derived requirements for Electro-Optical test capability and operational survival.