TABLE OF CONTENTS The qualification process properly occurs at the configuration and end item levels, possibly supported by lower-tier component tests and analyses. These activities are accomplished within the context of the item qualification verification process, as discussed in prior chapters.
Most customers of complex systems will also require system-level tests and analyses to show that the end items will interact as planned to achieve system requirements. This is primarily accomplished through the use of the system in accordance with its planned use profile. If the prime item is an aircraft, we call it flight test. Land vehicles may be tested through on- or offroad ground tests depending on the kind of vehicle involved. A missile system will undergo test firings under a range of conditions anticipated in actual use against targets that perform like the planned targets. This system testing is not thought of as part of the qualification process that culminates at FCA because qualification is a component-level activity that is a prerequisite to operation of complete end items in which they are installed.
If we have had to conduct a segmented FCA process because of the complexity of the system and availability of end items distributed in time, the customer may also require a system-level audit to go over the results of all of the item audits and ensure that all prior action items stemming from item FCAs have been closed. This system audit acts to link together all of the individual FCAs into an integrated...
