AFRLI61-103 — Afrl Research Test Review, Approval, And Oversight

AFRLI61-103 governs how AFRL reviews, approves, and oversees research test activities and manages related risks.

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  • Publication number: AFRLI61-103
  • Title: AFRL RESEARCH TEST REVIEW, APPROVAL, AND OVERSIGHT
  • Date: 2025-09-26

View AFRLI61-103 on armypubs.army.mil


AFRLI61-103 establishes roles, standardizes policy, and defines processes for planning, conducting, and reporting research test activities, including contracted efforts involving AFRL equities. It addresses technical, safety, and other risks and requires records created through its prescribed processes to be maintained and disposed of in accordance with specified records requirements.

Applies to: This instruction applies to all AFRL personnel involved with the planning, management, or execution of research test activities unless specifically exempted or excepted.

Topics covered

  • Research test activities
  • Technical risk management
  • Laboratory testing
  • Field testing
  • Flight test programs
  • Space test programs

Questions and answers

What is the purpose of AFRLI61-103?

The purpose of this instruction is to establish roles and responsibilities, standardize policy, and define basic processes for the conduct of research test activities by AFRL. (paragraph 1)

When is a technical review required for an AFRL Form 5 facility?

A technical review shall be conducted when an AFRL Form 5 is originally sought and thereafter revalidated when the form is renewed to ensure the facility will operate as intended to meet the technical objectives of activities conducted within it as discussed in Paragraph 2.6.2.1. (paragraph 1)

Which laboratory activities are not considered testing?

Laboratory activities that consist only of modeling and simulation (M&S), calibration, maintenance, component-level verification, component machining, machine shop operations, or well-established instrument/equipment measurement procedures are not considered testing and do not require any additional AFRLI 61-103 considerations. (paragraph 1)

How does AFRLI61-103 define field testing?

Field testing is any testing that occurs outdoors or does not fall into the laboratory test category. (paragraph 1)

How does AFRLI61-103 define an unexpected event?

Unexpected Event—Any unexpected occurrence, or series of occurrences, during test that results in (or has the potential to cause) injury or death, damage to the SUT (excluding normal wear and tear), property damage, significant departure from planned performance, or departure from the airspace, or significant deviations from expected technical results/data. (paragraph 1)

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