ADS-20-HDBK

Abstract

This handbook contains guidance for the performance of a "survey" on armament and fire control subsystems integrated on an aircraft. A survey is the act of collecting information to determine the current state of the design with respect to established performance requirements. The survey will consist primarily of ground and flight tests. Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the survey will be used to find needed improvements or problem areas that need resolution prior to commitment to the demonstration phase that verifies compliance with contract requirements. Surveys are normally conducted on new or major modifications to reduce program risk. At the discretion of the Government, surveys can be required for smaller armament and fire control modification programs. For purposes of this handbook, the terms "armament" and "weapon" are interchangeable.<b><u>Intended Use:</u></b> Conducting an AFCSS is a Government program option. It is normally used for new or major aircraft modification programs to reduce risk prior to commitment to the formal demonstration phase. At the Government&apos;s discretion, an AFCSS can aIso be required for smaller modification programs. While the omission of an AFCSS might appear to reduce cost and schedule, its performance could uncover design defects that could result in timely resolution and the avoidance of major cost and schedule delays. The formulation of this ADS handbook did not consider "unconventional weapons" such as directed energy and non-lethal weapons. An AFCSS would require additional tailoring to accommodate these weapons.&#160;<br>