What type of defect is characterized by inoperable systems or other mission limiting discrepancies that are suspected as non-conformance to applicable specifications?

A defect characterized by inoperable systems or significant mission-limiting discrepancies is classified as a major defect. Major defects are serious issues that represent a substantial deviation from the required specifications, significantly affecting the functionality, safety, or performance of a system. Such defects can impede the ability to achieve mission goals and may require immediate correction or extensive remediation.

In the context of quality control and defect classification, major defects are distinguished from other types, which might involve less severe issues that do not critically impact system performance. For instance, minor defects might involve cosmetic flaws or minor inconsistencies that do not hinder operational capability, while critical defects usually refer to issues that could cause catastrophic failures or safety hazards. Understanding this classification helps in prioritizing defects for resolution and ensuring that mission-critical systems maintain their required performance standards.