Which type of maintenance would be performed if a weapon system experiences a malfunction?

When a weapon system experiences a malfunction, the appropriate type of maintenance to be performed is unscheduled maintenance. This type of maintenance is reactive in nature and is required to address unexpected issues that arise during the operation of a system. It focuses on diagnosing and correcting specific failures or malfunctions to restore functionality and safety.

Unscheduled maintenance is critical in ensuring that any system downtime due to unforeseen problems is minimized, thus maintaining operational readiness. This could involve replacing faulty components, recalibrating systems, or any other actions necessary to correct the malfunction and return the weapon system to operational condition.

In contrast, preventative maintenance involves regular, scheduled checks and services designed to prevent malfunctions from occurring in the first place. Periodic maintenance is also planned and follows a routine schedule based on time or usage, but it does not specifically address unexpected failures. Retrofitting maintenance refers to upgrading or modifying existing systems with new technologies or components, which is not the immediate response to a malfunction.