Technology Readiness Level

Technology Readiness Level
Technology Readiness Level

TRL Roadmaps for Technology Readiness and Obsolescence Mitigation

A Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) is a systematic, metrics-based process that assesses the maturity of, and the risk associated with, critical technologies to be used in US DoD Major Defense Acquisition Programs. The Assessment results in a Technology Readiness Level, with TRL 1 being the least mature and TRL 9 being the most.

There is a balance between technical maturity and product obsolescence that must be achieved for program success. Incorporation of technology that is not mature adds technical risk to the program, potentially increasing development time and cost. Incorporation of technology that is too mature adds obsolescence risk to the program, potentially increasing life cycle costs.

Curtiss-Wright COTS boards and systems mitigate both of these issues by providing the latest defense and military technology from proven COTS standard modules, while providing an open system architecture based on industry standards. Products are designed to a technology roadmap that follows the technology improvements of processors and components, while maintaining the same form factor, software and pin outs (when possible).

Upgraded modules from the same product roadmap can be installed in the systems without causing any changes for system integrators – same chassis, same pin out, and same application software.

The Curtiss-Wright TRL Roadmap approach answers the inevitable question of "what is the obsolescence risk of using a very mature (high TRL) technology?"

Our TRL Roadmap show our COTS product families maturing through a continuum, with predecessor products at a higher TRL level having older technology, current generation products at a medium TRL level having latest technology, and finally, successor products being developed at a low TRL having next generation technology.

With our Total LifeCycle Management services providing an obsolescence management program that guarantees product availability from five to seven years, the TRL Roadmap provides both technology and obsolescence risk mitigation, with the result that our COTS modules and systems provide both technical currency and longevity of supply, supporting Department of Defense lifecycle requirements.

Engineered for Ruggedization and Reliability

Reliability of Electronics  
Reliability of Electronics

The ability of a product to function under given conditions and for a specified period of time without exceeding acceptable failure levels.

VITA 47 is Proven Reliability  
VITA 47 is Proven Reliability

Defines rugged environmental, design and construction, safety, and quality requirements for COTS plug-in units intended for mobile applications.

Lead Free Electronics  
Lead Free Electronics

Curtiss-Wright implemented best practices for the design and production of lead-free assemblies to ensure reliability.

Line Replaceable Modules (LRM)  
Line Replaceable Modules (LRM)

Increasing battlefield maintenance by speeding, simplifying and lowering the cost of system repair.