TRL & MRL Assessment

Tick what you have actually demonstrated. Your Technology Readiness Level is the highest level whose evidence is complete — not the highest box you can reach. Includes the Manufacturing Readiness Level that normally pairs with it.

Evidence demonstrated

Check every statement that is true and documented today. Undocumented does not count.

TRL 1Basic principles observed; scientific research published or documented.TRL 2A practical application has been formulated; analytic studies exist, but no experimental proof.TRL 3Analytical and laboratory studies physically validate the separate elements of the concept.TRL 4Basic components integrated and demonstrated working together in a laboratory.TRL 5Components tested in a simulated or partially realistic environment representing the driving conditions.TRL 6A representative model or prototype tested in a relevant environment — the usual Milestone B bar.TRL 7A prototype near the planned system demonstrated in the actual operational environment.TRL 8The actual system is built, integrated, and qualified through test and evaluation.TRL 9The actual system has been used in operations under mission conditions.

Quick set

Assessment

Technology Readiness LevelTRL 6

Prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment

Typical paired MRLMRL 6

Acquisition phase this supportsMilestone B — enter EMD

Highest box tickedTRL 6

Need TRL tracked per subsystem, with the evidence linked to requirements and gate criteria?

Frequently asked questions

Why did my TRL come out lower than the highest box I ticked?

Because readiness is cumulative. A system that has flown (TRL 9 evidence) but never had a documented component validation in a relevant environment (TRL 5) has a gap, and an assessor will rate it at the last level before that gap. This is the single most common disagreement in a technology readiness assessment, and it is usually resolved against the program.

What counts as a "relevant" versus "operational" environment?

Relevant means the environmental factors that drive the design are represented — thermal, vibration, EMI, whatever dominates. Operational means the actual environment, with the actual interfaces and the actual operators. The step from TRL 5/6 to 7 is where most programs stall, because building a realistic environment is expensive and simulating it is contestable.

How does MRL relate to TRL?

They track separately and both gate a milestone. TRL asks whether the technology works; MRL asks whether you can build it repeatably and affordably. A program can sit at TRL 7 with MRL 4 — the thing works but only a lab can make it. DoD milestone criteria typically expect TRL 6 and MRL 6 by Milestone B, and TRL 7+ with MRL 8+ by Milestone C.

What does this tool NOT do?

Per-subsystem rollup, evidence artifacts linked to requirements, TRA report generation, or integration readiness (IRL). Those are in the Defense pack.

Upgrade for a real readiness assessment

TRL and MRL tracked per subsystem, rolled up to system level
Evidence artifacts linked to the requirements they satisfy
Readiness gates wired into DoD 5000.02 milestone criteria
Technology Readiness Assessment report generated from live data
Gap analysis against the next milestone, not just today

See the full Defense Pack →