A physical item which, as a stand-alone entity, performs an end-function to achieve the objectives of a defined mission. Main equipment can have the following characteristics:

• It is a complete composite system which can be decomposed into subsystems and lower identifiable and maintainable physical items, and/or
• It is serialized with serialized components, and/or
• It is a prime asset or inventory item, and/or
• It is an end-use item which is manufactured, deployed and maintained.

See also ITEM, PHYSICAL ITEM, SERIAL NUMBER, SERIAL STRUCTURE, and SERIALIZED ITEM.