As used in this section—

“Aviation critical safety item” means a part, an assembly, installation equipment, launch equipment, recovery equipment, or support equipment for an aircraft or aviation weapon system if the part, assembly, or equipment contains a characteristic any failure, malfunction, or absence of which could cause—

(1) A catastrophic or critical failure resulting in the loss of or serious damage to the aircraft or weapon system;

(2) An unacceptable risk of personal injury or loss of life; or

(3) An uncommanded engine shutdown that jeopardizes safety.

“Design control activity”—

(1) With respect to an aviation critical safety item, means the systems command of a military department that is specifically responsible for ensuring the air worthiness of an aviation system or equipment in which an aviation critical safety item is to be used; and

(2) With respect to a ship critical safety item, means the systems command of a military department that is specifically responsible for ensuring the seaworthiness of a ship or ship equipment in which a ship critical safety item is to be used.

“Ship critical safety item” means any ship part, assembly, or support equipment containing a characteristic the failure, malfunction, or absence of which could cause—

(1) A catastrophic or critical failure resulting in loss of or serious damage to the ship; or

(2) An unacceptable risk of personal injury or loss of life.