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The Importance Of RTCA DO-160 Testing For Commercial Aircraft And Lighting Testing

RTCA do 160 testing for all commercial aircrafts is very important. It covers the standard environmental test and procedures criteria for the testing of avionics (airborne electronic equipments) for all types of aircrafts ranging from supersonic transport aircraft classes, jumbo jets, helicopters and light general aviation aircraft's. This testing is also coordinated with European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE). There are various tests covered in the testing standards of RTCA do 160. For instance, some of those who do this testing can perform what is known as Emissions and Susceptibility testing up to some certain level such as 40 GHz. There are various RTCA do 160 testing equipments that have different capabilities. For instance, it may generate Radiated Susceptibility fields exceeding 2000 V/m across 10 KHz - 40 GHz frequency range. Some other testers also have capability of performing Voltage spike testing that meets the Airbus AMD24C and ABD0100.1.8 requirements. There are various factors that can cause Voltage Spikes in the aircraft power systems such as the starting of electric motors, as well as switching and stopping of engine generators, APU (Auxiliary Power units), and power busses. Avionic equipment susceptibility is increasingly becoming important as the proliferation of electric motor drives and flies by wire systems increases. This test of high voltage is required for all the electronic equipments that are intended for use in Airbus air craft including A400M and A 350. Experts in RTCA do 160 testing can conduct testing on various power input cables according to the ABD0100.1. To perform this testing, the service provider should have the required accreditations. It must be accredited to do RTCA do 160 for the latest versions. It must have large-sized anechoic test chambers with a high current AC and DC sources available. It will even be better if the service provider offers ultra modern lightning testing as part of its RTCA do 160 capabilities of testing.

Lightning testing: Lightning testing is very important. It is purposely done so as to determine and verify capabilities of the equipments installed within airborne equipment so as to withstand lightning induced effects. The RTCA do 160 testing service providers can perform various tests of different levels. It would be better if you choose one who can test up to high levels such as Level V according to the RTCA do 160 standards. There are basically two major types of tests namely Cable bundle and Pin Injection. In this standard, there are three methods of testing namely Ground Injection, Cable Induction, and direct. Testing can be performed at the waveforms and test levels according to Expected se of EUT and the installation of aircraft.

Selection of waveform is basically determined by airframe in which EUT is installed, that is, all-composite material, all-metal material, or combination of the two. The environments which have airframe made of all-composite are highly likely to be exposed to lighting currents and structural voltages. The protection level to that exposure during event of lightning is the factor which determines the selection of test level. The given website address has more details of your expectations: RTCA do-160.

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