Aircraft Modification Testing

When adding new equipment it is important to understand the capacity of the aircraft power generation and storage systems, to ensure that a bus or source is not overloaded and to ensure that sufficient battery power reserve is maintained for emergency situations. After modification, electrical load and battery duration is tested on the ground to ensure everything functions as expected.

EMC / EMI testing is often required after the installation of a modification to ensure that it functions correctly and is not affected by interference from existing aircraft systems. Likewise, it is also important to demonstrate that the new modification does not have an adverse effect on the aircraft or existing systems.

All materials used on the aircraft must be reviewed and tested for flammability, especially those used in the cabin interior environment where they are also tested for secondary effects like heat release, smoke density and toxicity. Depending on the size, location and application of the material we carry out vertical, horizontal and combination burn testing as required by the certification specifications.

We can carry out all manner of proof of concept tests at an early stage of the design process to make informed design decisions. From load testing of structures and mechanisms to hardness and wear testing of components our design office and workshops will devise a test to provide answers to your questions.

Internationally recognised, the DO-160 series of environmental tests provide a laboratory means of determining the performance characteristics of airborne equipment in environmental conditions representative of those that may be encountered in operation. The tests demonstrate performance over a wide range of areas and conditions such as temperature, humidity, waterproofness, radio frequency susceptibility, emission of radio frequency energy, operational shock and vibration.

For security critical applications we can arrange and support TEMPEST and Electromagnetic Security (EMS) testing to ensure all electronic systems are suitably shielded so that the aircraft does not emit classified information and is protected from external attack.

As the demand for portable electronic devices increases we have carried out several projects requiring T-PED testing. The tests involve broadcasting various frequencies within the aircraft using specialist equipment and confirming that the onboard systems are not affected.