Dubbs identified an extensive array of testing facilities that have been absolutely critical to the program success thus far. Also included are the AIL and the Boeing 757 flying test bed in Seattle and the Avionics Pole Model located at the Rome Air Development Center in upstate New York. We have the ability to test in open-air environments . . . As noted by the ITA Team, the widespread use of modeling and simulation in the F-22 program is commendable. Modeling and simulation tools used for testing and analyzing mission software, in particular sensor track fusion, have been very effective.
Adequate assets is a key thing.
If program funding allows, laboratory assets should remain in the lab and not be planned for transition to flight test aircraft. This type of situation creates an asset shortfall when particular laboratory efforts are extended due to schedule pressure. Another lessons learned is the common target processor and software run-time tools should be commercially available and mature by the time the application software is ready for integration. The ITA Team was also concerned about the lack of validation of the simulations. Due to budget constraints those validations will not occur.