Overview

This advanced course is designed to prepare military test professionals, engineers and evaluators for the planning, execution and analysis of Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) of mission-critical systems. A particular focus is placed on Operational Suitability Evaluations, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills required to assess whether a system is ready and safe for operational use under real-world mission conditions.
The curriculum includes theoretical foundations and extensive practical training in both laboratory and flight environments. The course aligns with military-specific European procurement and budgetary frameworks, ensuring that all methodologies reflect the unique demands of defense acquisition and validation processes in Europe.

Course Topics

• Flight Test Management
• Time, Space & Position Information (TSPI)
• Test Hazard & Safety Analysis
• Controls & Displays Assessment
• Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR) Testing
• Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) Testing
• RADAR System Testing
• Weapon Integration & Testing
• SIGINT / EW Testing
• Navigation and Communication Systems (NAV/COM)
• Modern Flight Control System Testing
• Aircraft Performance Testing
• UAV Design & Flight Test
• Advanced Simulation Techniques in OT&E

Practical Training

Hands-on exercises are integrated throughout the course and include:

• Development of test-specific risk and hazard assessments
• Cockpit evaluation exercises
• EO/IR testing in lab and simulator environments
• Mixed Reality simulation exercises
• Workload assessments using a high-fidelity Air-to-Air Refueling simulator
• In-flight RADAR and NAV/COM testing
• Real-time workload assessment during flight
• Tactical evaluation in a networked simulation environment

This course ensures participants are prepared to lead or support Operational Suitability Evaluations as part of broader OT&E efforts in national or multinational defense programs.

Participation is subject to eligibility criteria.