Once the Preliminary R&D and Advanced R&D testing phases were completed, the team began performance testing. Three initial performance tests were completed, followed by a fourth and final performance test. The first two performance tests were graded for completion, but the third performance test was not, as the final test consisted of the same requirements, and was therefore graded instead.
Performance tests were completed in an incremental manner, such that the completion of each test added requirements to the additional one, up until the final performance test. This final test required the AEV to travel across the track from the starting dock to the loading zone, where it would pick up a caboose, and then travel back to the starting dock. A visual representation of this track is shown below.
Information about each individual performance test and how the team worked to complete it can be found on the following pages:
Design Evolution (Performance Testing)