RTCA DO-160 Testing

At Applus+ Laboratories, we offer RTCA DO-160 testing services for aeronautical equipment and drones. Thanks to our network of laboratories in the United States and Europe (including Spain, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany), as well as our trusted partners, we provide a comprehensive service to ensure compliance with this standard.

What Is the RTCA DO-160?

The DO-160 defines the environmental conditions and testing procedures necessary to ensure that aviation electronic equipment can operate reliably in various environmental conditions.

While the DO-160 is primarily designed for equipment rather than entire aircraft itself, the standard is also applicable to civil drones with increased and high-risk operations as well as military drones, as it demonstrates robustness of the drone’s critical subsystems.

RTCA DO-160 Testing Capabilities

RTCA DO-160G outlines environmental testing standards for airborne equipment, but compliance does not require testing all 26 sections. The specific tests depend on the equipment's application, installation location, and regulatory requirements.

• Section 4.0: Temperature and Altitude Testing: Evaluating the effects of temperature and altitude on systems, including resistance to rapid changes in air pressure.
• Section 5.0: Temperature Variation Testing: Verifying the ability of assemblies to survive extreme temperature changes.
• Section 6.0: Humidity Testing: Assessing the effects of high humidity concentrations and the ability of items to resist corrosion.
• Section 7.0: Shock and Crash Safety Testing: Analysing the effects of mechanical shocks and crash safety.
• Section 8.0: Vibration Testing: Evaluating resistance to vibrations under different conditions.
• Section 9.0: Explosive Atmosphere Testing: Conducting tests to verify the resistance of equipment in explosive atmospheres.
• Section 10.0: Waterproofness Testing: Testing the resistance of equipment to water penetration.
• Section 11.0: Fluid Susceptibility Testing: Testing resistance to various types of fluids.
• Section 12.0: Sand and Dust Testing: Evaluating the resistance of equipment to sand and dust penetration.
• Section 13.0: Fungus Resistance Testing: Conducting tests to verify the resistance of equipment to fungal growth.
• Section 14.0: Salt Fog Testing: Assessing resistance to corrosion from salt fog.
• Section 15.0: Magnetic Effect Testing: Testing the influence of magnetic fields on equipment.
• Section 16.0: Power Input Testing: Evaluating the ability of equipment to handle variations in power input.
• Section 17.0: Voltage Spike Testing: Conducting tests to verify the resistance of equipment to voltage spikes.
• Section 18.0: Conducted Susceptibility Testing (Audio Frequency): Evaluates equipment operation under audio-frequency interference (10 Hz - 150 kHz) on power inputs. DC Categories: R (critical systems), B (essential systems), Z (non-essential systems). AC Categories: R (CF/NF/WF designations) and K (any power type).
• Section 19.0: Induced Signal Susceptibility Testing: Verifies immunity to low-frequency electromagnetic fields (15 Hz - 150 kHz) in signal cables. Test levels determined by exposed cable length × applied voltage/current. Includes magnetic field (10 Hz - 150 kHz) and voltage transient tests.
• Section 20.0: RF Susceptibility Testing (Conducted/Radiated): Validates operation in intense RF environments (100 MHz - 18 GHz): Conducted: 10 kHz - 400 MHz using injection probes (similar to MIL-STD-461 CS114). Radiated: Two methods - semi-anechoic chamber (100 MHz - 18 GHz) or reverberation chamber (HIRF for critical systems).
• Section 21.0: RF Emissions Testing: Limits unwanted RF emissions: Conducted Emissions: 150 kHz - 150 MHz using current probes. Radiated Emissions: 100 MHz - 6 GHz using anechoic/reverberation chambers. Location Categories: B, L/M/H, P/Q (distance from aircraft antennas).
• Section 22.0: Lightning Induced Transient Susceptibility Testing: Evaluating the resistance of equipment to transients induced by lightning. 
• Section 23.0: Lightning Direct Effects Testing:  Assesses survival from direct lightning strikes. Applies current pulses (200 kA) and voltage surges (1 MV). Covers external equipment: antennas, sensors, navigation lights, ice protection systems. 
• Section 24.0: Ice Testing: Verifying resistance to ice formation.
• Section 25.0: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Testing: Evaluating resistance to electrostatic discharges.

Our state-of-the-art facilities and extensive experience in EMC, electrical, and environmental testing for different industries enable us to offer a wide range of RTCA DO-160 testing capabilities. We also have a network of trusted partners to handle specific tests that might be out of our scope.

RTCA DO-160 Testing for Drones, and Avionics for Civil and Military Aircraft

At Applus+ Laboratories, we test all types of components for civil aircraft, military aircraft, and drones. We have large facilities to test big components and complete drones such as several 10 meters semi-anechoic chambers, shakers up to 200 kN, and walk-in climatic chambers. Additionally, we can perform tests under other military standards such as MIL-STD 461, MIL-STD 810, and MIL-STD 704.

Our commitment to providing high-quality RTCA DO-160 testing services ensures excellence in the aerospace and defence industry and guarantees that aeronautical equipment can operate safely and reliably in various conditions.

RTCA DO-160 Test Plan Preparation

In addition to conducting the tests, Applus+ Laboratories also takes care of the detailed preparation of the RTCA DO-160 Test Plan for companies that need it. Our team of experts develops specific and detailed test plans, ensuring that all critical aspects are covered and that the equipment meets the most demanding standards.

Benefits of RTCA DO-160 Testing at Applus+ Laboratories

Conducting RTCA DO-160 testing at Applus+ Laboratories offers several benefits:

• Turnkey Service: We handle everything required for the complete validation of equipment, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive testing process.
• Reliability and Risk Identification: We ensure that equipment can operate safely and reliably in various environmental conditions and help identify potential failures before equipment is deployed in the field.
• Regulatory Compliance: We guarantee that equipment meets regulatory and industry requirements.