Modern aerospace and defense systems are experiencing a remarkable technological shift enhancing the effectiveness and precision of tactical radio communication and military aviation. Modernization programs and the government’s strong push to become self-reliant are creating favorable conditions for long-term partnerships, accelerating development and deployment of advanced technologies.
Testing Mission Critical Avionics
To create a more resilient industry, aerospace and defense organizations are turning to digital technologies for their test and assurance needs to stay ahead of the curve. Digital twins, AI-based cybersecurity systems, and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming the aerospace industry by accelerating R&D cycles, enabling preventive maintenance and optimizing operations. Whether one is testing fuel quantity systems or performance testing airborne communication, navigation and surveillance systems, on-site testing and troubleshooting with precision is essential for the impeccable functioning of modern avionics systems.
Avionics Test Solutions
Aerospace is a particularly exacting environment, where malfunctions have disastrous consequences. This is magnified in a military scenario, where aircraft typically need to maximise their inflight hours, so testing needs to be reliable, repeatable, and fast. Avionics test products are used around the world by military aviation maintenance groups to manufacture, test, and maintain airborne avionics systems such as; TCAS, TACAN, and IFF.
Testing Aircraft Systems in the Airborne Condition
Antenna couplers solve the problem of unreliable radiated power and transponder minimum trigger levels (MTL) when testing avionics over the air in multi-path ramp and hanger environments. They can also help reduce dangerous “false intruders” when performing a transponder test. When used with a GPS simulator, the proper coupler can provide a steady GPS signal in a hangar environment when a simulated static or dynamic GPS signal is required.
Testing of Radio Altimeter Test Systems
Isolating faulty components of installed Radio Altimeter (RADALT) systems typically requires swapping parts from the airframe, increasing downtime and cost. From Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) and Combined Altitude Radar Altimeter (CARA) to Next-Generation variants, technicians can now perform complete closed-loop system tests that replicate dynamic in-flight conditions up to 10,000 ft. Radio altimeter test sets can test the complete radio altimeter system, allowing the operator to isolate a problem with the antenna, coax, LRU, or indicator without unnecessary system component replacements.
Fuel Quantity System Verification
Fuel Quantity test sets, when used with the appropriate specific aircraft interface, can troubleshoot and isolate fuel system issues, calibrate fuel quantity indicators, and uniquely detect contaminated fuel probes.
Develop, Certify, Test and Repair TCAS and Transponders
Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) and transponder LRUs test sets designed for engineering research and development, design validation, manufacturing and return-to-service can certify TCAS computers, ADS-B In receivers (including ground station), ADS-R and TIS-B ground station transmitters, and Mode S/ADS-B Out transponders.
Performance Verification Testing of Critical Airborne Systems
Hand-held avionics test sets can perform quick airborne system auto-tests or in-depth troubleshooting in and around the aircraft using a single test set for communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. Built-in auto-tests and guided tests provide maintenance technicians the ability to perform consistent and repeatable tests.
High-Resolution Multimode OTDR System
Tests complex fiber harnesses, like those used for radar signal transmission, weapons control, and flight navigation and guidance systems with Hi-Res OTDR, Optical Switch, and ATE Software. This equipment can also be used to test fiber cables on warships and submarines.
AVX-10K Military Flight Line Test Set
The AVX-10K is a comprehensive flight line test solution that provides today’s avionics technician with an easy-to-use instrument for testing communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. From a quick airborne system auto-test to an in-depth troubleshooting tool, users can conveniently test around the aircraft or in the cockpit from the touchscreen display or using a mobile device. An intuitive user interface, simplifies testing with built-in auto-tests for transponder applications. Guided tests can be created to replicate existing procedures to assist users for Navigation and AM/FM Communication system verification.
The AVX-10K provides a wide range of quick airborne system auto-tests and in-depth troubleshooting using software specific applications. It helps avionics technicians maximize productivity and efficiency across fixed-base operators (FBOs), avionics and airframe manufacturers, or maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).
Testing Mission Critical Radio
Digital land mobile radio (LMR) technologies and software-defined radio (SDR) have significantly improved security, range, and spectral efficiency. Radio test solutions have followed suit, incorporating advanced automation, and spectrum analysis features for the lab and field. Over-the-air military radio testing prevents the disruption of deployment activities or test-induced equipment failures. Mission-critical voice communication requires the support of accurate, flexible, and comprehensive testing and maintenance.
Communications service monitors (CSM) provide the most powerful and efficient multi-purpose test solutions for land mobile radio technologies. These systems combine the functionality of a signal generator, spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, channel analyzer, power meter, and other analog and digital radio test functions into one multi-purpose, stand-alone instrument. Cable fault analysis, antenna testing, and infrastructure commissioning are additional service monitor capabilities that have remained relevant in the modern era of radio communication.
CX300
As the global public safety radio market rapidly transitions from analog to digital, many mission- critical services have started using secure LTE technology to supplement data and voice communications. Offering an unparalleled frequency range up to 6 GHz, the CX300 is designed with advanced frequency, power and modulation analysis instruments to support all analog and digital land mobile radio (LMR) and professional mobile radio (PMR) protocols, and private LTE networks.
The CX300 incorporates automated test applications for fast, repeatable, and accurate test and alignment. In addition, the CX300 enables technicians to conduct full vector s-parameter measurements and directly connect to the device under test without needing extra accessories.
Faster On-site Test Solutions Enhances Operational Efficiency
Comprehensive testing and assurance of critical airborne electronic systems and tactical radio communication are crucial to ensure accuracy, safety, and reliability. It validates the functionality of components under diverse operating conditions and prevents system failure. Testing in aerospace and defense systems not only enhances operational readiness but also ensures optimal performance of mission-critical systems.
