Developments in lightning test standards for aircraft avionics - Test standards are running behind the fast pace of technological change

摘要

SCALATING COSTS AND increasing complexity in modern aircraft has ensured that aircraft design and assembly is now a global phenomena. Today, subsystems can be designed, manufactured, and tested at any location around the world, then shipped to the final assembly plant on demand. This global process requires that testing produces identical results no matter where in the world it is performed. Standardization of test methods and equipment go a long way toward achieving this objective. In terms of lightning testing, civilian aircraft and systems use the DO-160 standard which is ideally suited to fulfil the standardization role and is used as the basis for airworthiness certification.