Aerospace test equipment calibration checklist

Working to the most precise tolerances and often with mission or safety-critical consequences, there are few industries that place as much reliance on the accuracy of test instruments as aerospace.

Aircraft, satellites, and spacecraft are incredibly complex, and the variety of measurement equipment used to test and verify their performance is equally detailed and expansive. 

Establishing a structured test instrument calibration checklist with a schedule is key to ensuring you can depend on the wide range of equipment needed to keep aviation and aerospace assets functioning safely. 

Calibrating the test equipment used within the aerospace industry

The technical disciplines involved in the aerospace industry are also diverse. To deliver a successful aerospace project, mechanical, electrical and communications test equipment must all perform their role efficiently and reliably. 

• Mechanical: 
  Airframes are susceptible to metal fatigue, so a variety of force gauges are used to monitor the stresses they are deliberately subject to during testing. Strain gauges can detect damage from overloading, accelerometers can monitor for sudden shocks, and vibration probes can give early warning of component failures. All of this condition monitoring equipment must be calibrated to ensure sound test results and a compliant end product.
  
  Aircraft maintenance depends heavily on components being inspected for wear at set intervals. The validity of these tests, and therefore the safety of passengers and crew, depends on the accuracy of micrometers, calipers, thread gauges and other dimensional measurement apparatus.
  
  
• Electrical:
  Avionics are the electronic controls on which modern aircraft depend. Electrical distribution bus sections are responsible for making sure the sensors, instruments and actuators get the power supplies they need. A selection of calibrated voltmeters, current measurement and oscilloscopes will be called upon to ensure correct operation of these components.
  
  Air flow meters are essential for testing critical devices such as pitot tubes for measuring air speed. Weather is critical to safe flight or launch operations, so a wide range of digital and analogue sensors are used to monitor environmental conditions.
  
  
• Communications:
  It’s vital that the assorted telecommunications equipment used in aerospace not only performs its task faultlessly but does not interfere with other important equipment. Specialist equipment is necessary to test for potentially harmful emissions, such as radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). 
  
  The performance of navigation equipment such as antennas, locator beacons, transponders and radio altimeters will also be verified by calibrated measurement equipment. As these measurements are safety-critical, proper calibration of the test instruments is crucial.
  
  

Aerospace equipment solutions from DM Systems & Test

As well as providing expert calibration services on a comprehensive range of third-party measurement equipment used in the aerospace industry, the following equipment is available from DM Systems & Test: 

1. We have extensive experience in the design, construction, and evaluation of Direction Finding Antennae. Used to track the direction from which a signal is being sent, these are useful for monitoring the position of your aircraft, helicopters, ships, and submarines.
2. Your personnel working in the vicinity of radar and satellite communication systems are vulnerable to the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation. Our FieldSENSE range of EMF monitors are designed to monitor their exposure and keep them safe.
3. DM Systems & Test can now supply a comprehensive range of Radar Antennae. Make us your primary point of contact for phased, slotted, flared, horn or patch arrays.

Your aerospace test equipment calibration partner

Your business goals require that your test and measurement equipment is kept properly calibrated, and you can demonstrate this to your customers. With decades of experience in serving aerospace clients, we understand your challenges. For example aerospace is a 24/7 business and equipment down-time is costly. Our expert team provides rapid calibration turnaround, including mobile onsite solutions. 

We demonstrate our commitment to excellence by offering accredited calibration services with an ISO 9001 quality management system. These extend to on-site calibration, as well as work carried out in our calibration laboratories. We can also accommodate requests to work to industry-specific standards such as MIL-STD-45662A.

For more information on calibration strategies, on-site calibration, or to find out more regarding our aerospace equipment calibration services, contact DM Systems & Test.