RTCA DO-160 Testing

Elite is uniquely equipped to provide RTCA DO-160 and related Commercial Aviation EMC and Environmental Stress Testing with our over 60 years’ experience, iNARTE Certified Test Engineers, and state-of-the-art facilities to complete your most complex projects. Our experts partner with you to identify the right testing for your products and deliver trusted results on your schedule.

Elite is ISO 17025 accredited through NVLAP and A2LA for nearly all DO-160 EMC, Lightning and Environmental Stress test methods to deliver high-quality results accepted by aerospace manufacturers and regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Elite offers complete EMC/EMI, Environmental Stress, Photometric, and Wireless testing in one location to save time and cost on your aerospace qualification programs. We also provide unmatched support capabilities to handle, operate, and monitor your test items:

• All Section 22.0 Indirect Lightning waveforms up to Level 5
• Multiple RF chambers for small and large test items
• Combined EMC/EMI and Environmental Stress testing
• Waveguide feedthrough on RF test chambers for hydraulic and pneumatic hoses
• Compressed air: 90PSIG, 150CFM, Refrigeration Dried; Cooling water: 30PSIG, 7GPM
• Readily available 400Hz or 28VDC power
• Configurable resistive power load banks and heat exhaust capability

Contact us to experience the Elite Advantage today.

What is the RTCA DO-160?

The DO-160 standard was developed by RTCA to ensure airborne equipment meet the airworthiness requirements for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. DO-160 includes 23 sections of test methods covering all aspects of the aircraft environment from temperature, altitude, shock, and vibration to RF emissions, lightning effects, and flammability.

The current revision is DO-160G and it has become a common testing standard recognized throughout the aerospace industry. Before DO-160, aerospace manufacturers could each require different sets of tests to verify proper equipment operation onboard their aircraft. Currently, the U.S. FAA recommends DO-160G testing for many equipment types used on aircraft. Elite regularly participates in the DO-160 development committee to provide input on the latest test methods and technology considerations.

Does my product need RTCA DO-160 testing?

DO-160 testing applies to most airborne equipment and is directly referenced as a means of verifying compliance with numerous regulatory requirements. As stated in Section 1.0, “the test categories defined in DO-160 are intended to encompass the full spectrum of environmental conditions that airborne equipment may experience – from benign to very hostile” and “some of the environmental conditions and test procedures contained in DO-160 are not necessarily applicable to all airborne equipment.” Ultimately, it is the specific performance standards that determine which test categories are required to your product.

If your product will be used on commercial or military aircraft, please contact us to review your product’s category and application. Our experts will collaborate with you to identify the right testing to prove airworthiness of your airborne equipment.