The impact of next generation test technology on aviation maintenance

This paper begins by reviewing the background of avionics maintenance in the DoD. It defines O, I and D levels of maintenance and details their implementation in each of the services. OSD's ATS policy and its implementation are reviewed, as are the DoD ATS Executive Agent's goals, objectives and strategy. The paper then details test technologies currently being developed and demonstrated by joint service teams, and discusses system level demonstrations, focusing on the ARGCS project. It then explores the impact on aviation maintenance and the many benefits of the test technologies being developed. The paper concludes with a vision of the future centered around a robust, flexible test capability that makes possible a "purple" maintenance unit with broad capability to support joint warfighting task forces comprised of weapon systems from all the services.