First Article Inspection Template for Defense Electronics
A first article inspection proves that a production process can build a product that meets every drawing and contract requirement. This template structures that proof for a defense electronics assembly in a single document.
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Defense Electronics First Article Inspection Template
First Article Inspection Report
Manufacturer: Northfield Electronics Inc. Customer: Example Defense Systems Purchase order: PO-70418 Part number: A-31550-02 Rev C Serial / lot: SN 0001 Date: 2026-10-20
Build Requirements
Workmanship class: Class 3 Solder process: Tin-lead Conformal coating: Urethane per drawing note 6 Assembly built from released drawing revision C using the production process, tooling and personnel planned for the run.
Configuration and Documents
| Item | Reference | Revision | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly drawing | A-31550-02 | C | |
| Bill of materials | |||
| Schematic | |||
| Work instructions / traveler | |||
| Test procedure | |||
| Approved vendor list |
Parts and Materials Verification
| Ref des / item | Part number | Manufacturer | Date code | Spec / quality level | C of C | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Process and Workmanship
| Operation | Requirement | Observed | Accept / reject |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paste print / SPI | |||
| Placement and reflow | |||
| Through-hole / selective | |||
| Cleaning and cleanliness | |||
| Conformal coating | |||
| Final visual inspection | Class 3 |
Test Results
Tests performed: In-circuit test, functional test at ambient, burn-in 48 hours, final visual inspection
Attach data sheets, test logs and serial numbers of test equipment with calibration due dates.
Findings and Dispositions
No major findings. One minor observation on label position, corrected on the traveler.
Approvals
This is a general starting point, not a replacement for the customer's required form or AS9102 forms where invoked. Add any characteristic from the drawing that requires measurement. Contract and quality clauses always take precedence over this template.
Auto-fill your FAI parts table from the ERP
An optional review of how BOM, receipt and lot data can populate first article packages.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
How to use the template
Fill in the fields at the top and the document updates on the right. Then add the part rows, process observations and test results by hand or in your preferred editor after export to Word. Attach supporting data such as bill of materials, test logs and certificates of conformance. Collect signatures from quality, engineering and the customer representative where the contract calls for it.
What a defense electronics FAI covers
The report ties together configuration, parts, process and test. Configuration shows the drawing, BOM and software revisions used. Parts verification confirms manufacturer, date code and qualification status of each component. Process records confirm the workmanship class and special processes such as coating. Test results show the assembly meets its functional requirements. AS9102 defines three forms for aerospace, and many electronics customers want the same content.
- Build the first article with production tooling and operators
- Record the exact revisions of every controlling document
- Retain the report with the traveler for the life of the program
Reading and closing the report
A first article is accepted only when every requirement is verified and every nonconformance has a disposition. Open items should not be buried in comments. List each one with an owner and a date. If the design, process, supplier or location changes materially, a partial or full re-inspection is normally required, so note triggers in your quality plan.
Common mistakes
Teams often build the first article with engineering hands rather than production staff, which hides process risk. Others leave out special process certifications or forget to record test equipment calibration. Another frequent gap is failing to record the date codes of components, which weakens traceability when a part issue appears later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as an AS9102 report?
No. It is a general defense electronics template with similar content. AS9102 defines three specific forms and, where invoked by the customer, those forms must be used. This template can support the data you collect for them.
When is a new first article required?
Typically on a new part, a drawing change affecting form, fit or function, a change of manufacturing process, location or major supplier, or a long production gap. Your contract defines the exact triggers, so follow it.
Who signs the first article report?
Usually the manufacturer's quality and engineering representatives, and the customer or source inspector if the contract requires approval. Follow the signature requirements of your contract and quality system.
How long should the report be kept?
Retention is set by the contract and your quality manual. Defense programs commonly require records for many years after delivery, so check the clause and store the report with traceable build data.
Netray can generate the parts and configuration tables of this report from your ERP bill of materials and receipts, so only the inspection results need to be entered by hand.
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