Automatic Test Equipment Development

The Automatic Test Equipment Development program (PE 0604746A) is a key Army research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on modernizing and standardizing test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment (TMDE) to support the increasingly complex electronic systems found in current and future Army weapon platforms. The overarching goal is to enhance operational readiness, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure interoperability across multi-domain operations by leveraging advanced diagnostics, calibration, and prognostics technologies. The program supports the Army's modernization priorities and aligns with directives from the Army Futures Command (AFC), Program Executive Offices (PEOs), and other key stakeholders.

L59: Diagnost/Expert Sys is a major project within this program element, primarily funding the development and enhancement of the Maintenance Support Device (MSD) and the Next Generation Automatic Test System (NGATS). The MSD serves as the Army's standard at-platform automatic test system, providing diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities for over 70 weapon systems, including Abrams, Bradley, Stryker, aviation, missile, and wheeled vehicle platforms.

The objectives for FY 2026 include continued modernization of the MSD fleet, incorporation of predictive logistics data processing, expansion of diagnostic software to reduce reliance on proprietary solutions, and ensuring compatibility with emerging hardware and software standards, including cybersecurity enhancements.

The NGATS component under L59 aims to expand general-purpose test program sets (TPS) to additional platforms beyond the Abrams and Bradley, consolidating test equipment into a smaller logistics footprint through a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). FY 2026 funding supports the development of new digital subsystems using PXI instrumentation to replace older VXI configurations, as well as the creation of logistics packages for enhanced electro-optic testing.

These efforts are intended to provide more cost-effective, repairable, and deployable test solutions, supporting fix forward maintenance concepts and enhancing Army capabilities in large-scale and denied-area operations.

L65: Test Equipment Development is the second major project line, targeting the development and prototyping of advanced calibration software and hardware for TMDE. This project supports the integration of automation, open architectures, and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve diagnostic speed and accuracy. Specific objectives include the development of the Army Automated Calibration Environment (ACE), new calibration procedures, and enterprise data sharing systems for calibration data.

FY 2026 plans focus on integrating remote software updates, enhancing bidirectional data movement, and supporting enterprise-level calibration data architecture.

Under L65, the Calibration Sets (CALSETS) Physical and Electrical Instruments subprojects address the modernization of calibration standards and instrumentation for a wide range of parameters, including torque, force, pressure, temperature, and radiological/chemical/biological detection. FY 2026 activities include the development of the NOAC Kibble Balance for mass calibration, integration of non-radioactive solutions for RADIAC calibration, and continued work on microwave power sensor calibration systems.

These advancements are designed to close critical capability gaps, improve safety, and reduce logistical burdens by minimizing equipment footprints and enhancing deployability.

The Test Equipment Modernization (TEMOD) subproject within L65 focuses on evaluating and acquiring commercial general-purpose electronic test equipment (GPETE) to replace obsolete systems. FY 2026 funding is directed toward market research, bid sample testing, and the development of performance specifications for future TEMOD acquisitions. These efforts ensure that Army test equipment remains current with technological advances and operational requirements, supporting sustainment and readiness across the force.

The Automatic Test Equipment Development program is structured to provide iterative, user-informed development of test and diagnostic capabilities, leveraging both organic DoD expertise and commercial partnerships. The acquisition strategy emphasizes the use of commercial and nondevelopmental item technologies, with a focus on rapid prototyping, early user feedback, and alignment with evolving Army operational needs.

By modernizing the Army's test equipment fleet and calibration infrastructure, the program aims to reduce lifecycle costs, enhance reliability, and ensure the sustainment of advanced weapon systems in complex, multi-domain operational environments.