SYSTEM-LEVEL TESTING IN OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS

As typically implemented, systems engineering and operational test and evaluation are processes for ensuring that successful systems are del ivered to users. Often, little consideration is given to supporting th e test and evaluation of deployed systems. Some complex and mission-cr itical systems, however, require continuing test and evaluation progra ms, after deployment, to provide understanding of the systems' ability to respond to the complete range of environmental and operational par ameters. Increasingly, developed systems require a means of planning t o support modifications, life-cycle extensions, and responses to chang ing threats and environments. We describe the types of systems for whi ch system-level testing in operational environments is appropriate, ex amine the unique requirements for evaluating deployed systems, and des cribe some test and evaluation programs designed by the Applied Physic s Laboratory for these systems.