Original Date: 05/23/1994
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

As part of the Torpedo Production Acceptance Test and Evaluation (PAT&E) proofing process, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport conducts final acceptance testing that ensures closed-loop process improvement between government and contractor. Torpedo PAT&E proofing, previously required only successful contractor final acceptance testing for final buy-off, thereby completing all contractor obligations. The user had a proofing process that identified and repaired failures without feedback to the contractor. The result was consistent failure rates and unchanging performance levels. Because a torpedo is a long life, durable weapon system, many in-water system tests can be run on a single unit to demonstrate failure rate trends.

The Navy determined that final acceptance testing must be made part of the torpedo test process. Included in the production contract were requirements for successful government testing in the end use environment – as well as successful contractor final acceptance testing – before buy off. Contractor conducted failure analysis and corrective action is also specified in the contract. This closed the feedback loop between contractor and government, and the proofing process can now effect production process improvements. Ultimately, this translates into a quality weapon system meeting torpedo performance and reliability requirements. Side benefits include proofing and correcting test procedures and associated support equipment before deployment to the fleet, corrective action adequacy assessment, and continued failure solution throughout the life cycle.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.