| Summary: | Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited === This thesis provides a comparative analysis of ship Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) in the United States Navy (USN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It also reviews the acceptance and introduction into service procedures for warships in both Navies, including the input from OT&E. This study analyzes USN and RAN Ship OT&E organisation, policy and procedures, and then compares and contrasts the two systems. The study finds that the RAN OT&E system, although originally based on USN OT&E philosophy, now differs in the importance, interpretation, application and focus of OT&E. In concludes that to achieve efficient and effective trials and acceptance of the new higher risk warships currently under construction, the RAN OT&E system needs to be revised. A model for OT&E in the RAN is proposed based on the principles derived from the USN system. The recommendations include the initial conduct of OT&E in land based test sites, followed by dedicated "Whole Ship" OT&E for the first of class.
|
|---|
