Node A6 · Acronym decoder
LRIP
Low-Rate Initial Production
What it actually means
The limited production run authorized at Milestone C — enough units to prove out manufacturing, provide test articles for operational testing, and establish the production base, but capped (by statute for major programs) to limit exposure before IOT&E results are in. Programs stuck in LRIP for years are a recognized pathology.
Where you'll meet it
The bridge between development and full-rate production on hardware programs.