A vision of guided weapons ATS standardization-a synergistic, cooperative approach

Standardization of Automatic Test Systems (ATS) has demonstrated significant cost savings and performance benefits for all armed service branches across a variety of weapons system types. Noticeable by its absence is the application of standard ATS to guided munitions testing. This paper reviews the background of guided munitions ATS and examines a vision for its future. A future which most address a Performance Based Business Environment (PBBE), pervasive use of Commercial Off The Shelf(COTS) equipment and a trend towards manufacturer-as-maintainer under Organizational-to Original Equipment Manufacturer ("O" to "OEM") test and repair structures.