2. Technology Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications concept and/or can be invented. The application is speculative and there is no proof or application detailed analysis to support the assumption. Examples are still limited to formulated. paper studies. 3. Analytical and Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical experimental critical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate analytical predictions of function and/or separate elements of the technology. Examples include components that characteristic proof of are not yet integrated or representative. concept. 4. Component and/or Basic technological components are integrated to establish that the pieces breadboard validation will work together. This is relatively "low fidelity" compared to the eventual in laboratory system. Examples include integration of 'ad hoc' hardware in a laboratory. environment. 5. Component and/or Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The breadboard validation technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic in relevant supporting elements so that the technology can be tested in a simulated environment. environment. Examples include 'high fidelity' laboratory integration of components. 6. System/subsystem Representative model or prototype system, which . is well beyond the model or prototype breadboard tested for TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. demonstration in a Represents a major step up in a technology's demonstrated readiness. relevant environment Examples include testing a prototype in a high fidelity laboratory environment or in simulated operational environment. 7. System prototype Prototype near or at planned operational system. Represents a major step demonstration in an up from TRL 6, requiring the demonstration of an actual system prototype in operational an operational environment, such as in an aircraft, vehicle or space. environment. Examples include testing the prototype in a test bed aircraft. 8. Actual system Technology has been proven to work in its form and under expected completed and 'flight conditions. In almost all cases, this TRL represents the end of true system qualified" through test development. Examples include developmental test and evaluation of the and demonstration. system in its intended weapon system to determine if it meets design specifications. 9. Actual system Actual application of the technology in its final form and under mission 'flight proven" through conditions, such as those encountered in operational test and evaluation. In successful mission almost all cases, this is the end of the last "bug fixing" aspects of true operations. system development. Examples include using the system under operational mission conditions.
2. Technology concept and/or application formulated. Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. The application is speculative and there is no proof or detailed analysis to support the assumption. Examples are still limited to paper studies. 3. Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept. Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology. Examples include components that are not yet integrated or representative. 4. Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment. Basic technological components are integrated to establish that the pieces will work together. This is relatively "low fidelity" compared to the eventual system. Examples include integration of 'ad hoc' hardware in a laboratory. 5. Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment. Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so that the technology can be tested in a simulated environment. Examples include 'high fidelity' laboratory integration of components. 6. System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment Representative model or prototype system, which . is well beyond the breadboard tested for TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology's demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high fidelity laboratory environment or in simulated operational environment. 7. System prototype demonstration in an operational environment. Prototype near or at planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6, requiring the demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment, such as in an aircraft, vehicle or space. Examples include testing the prototype in a test bed aircraft. 8. Actual system completed and 'flight qualified" through test and demonstration. Technology has been proven to work in its form and under expected conditions. In almost all cases, this TRL represents the end of true system development. Examples include developmental test and evaluation of the system in its intended weapon system to determine if it meets design specifications. 9. Actual system 'flight proven" through successful mission operations. Actual application of the technology in its final form and under mission conditions, such as those encountered in operational test and evaluation. In almost all cases, this is the end of the last "bug fixing" aspects of true system development. Examples include using the system under operational mission conditions.
CWP%20FAQs_FY17.docx