Test program sets and vertical testability

Electronic combat (EC) operations are critically important in establishing and maintaining air supremacy. The joint services electronic combat system tester (JSECST) is the most recent test system fielded to support EC systems - providing maintainers test program sets (TPS) that quickly and effectively perform end-to-end (ETE) testing of EC systems, and assist in identification of the failed line replaceable unit (LRU), RF cable, or antenna assembly. This paper focuses on how the JSECST may be used to test modern EC systems including both radar warning receivers and jammers. Case studies from current test program set (TPS) design and integration highlights the unique problems associated with flightline TPS development. Subjects addressed include: which faults are critical to mission effectiveness? How good is aircraft/system built-in-test (BIT)? What is the test strategy? What are the stimulus and measurement requirements and how does the TPS optimize the testing to minimize runtime? How do we ensure vertical testability?.