The Future of Testing Advanced Aerospace Systems
Over the years, the rate at which aerospace electronics and technologies improve is constantly growing. From the transition of analog to glass cockpits, among other advancements across all aircraft systems and components, increased complexity and technological capability is calling for new and improved methods of testing, verifying, and validating aircraft parts and systems. To answer this need, testing equipment is also evolving alongside the parts they test to meet the concerns of aerospace and defense engineers. In this blog, we will discuss the ever evolving capabilities of aerospace systems and technologies, as well as how the industry is seeking for new test equipment and procedures to provide scalability, flexibility, and more.
As with many other technologies across all commercial industries, electronics and components are becoming more advanced at a rapid rate. Alongside improved capabilities for performance, many aerospace technologies also maintain very long service lives. Currently, aircraft such as the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress are still in service with avionics and electronics that are over 50 years old. Because of this, many in the aerospace industry seek test equipment that may provide a balance of future proofing and legacy support to address both concerns.
Acquiring new aerospace electronics, test equipment, and other aircraft parts can be an expensive endeavor for any owner or airline. Upgrading an aircraft can be upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the size, type, and current equipment needs, thus ensuring that those parts can be reliably tested over the years is very important. When engineers seek out testing equipment, the ability for the equipment to be scaled for the future is a major concern to always avoid obsolescence issues. Test systems that can be updated to support the advent and release of new technologies are highly desired. In a similar vein, testing equipment that also supports legacy systems on top of future systems to serve a wide range of components and hardware accessories is the most sought after. To provide testing that can be used over decades for many parts, test equipment has been seeing a transformation from conventional rack and stack box instruments to those with modular platforms.
Many changes in the aerospace industry are put in place due to constantly adjusting standards and regulations that meet the advancing technologies being introduced across all sectors. Although newer parts and components may be built up to current standards and regulations, older technology must also always be inspected as well to ensure compliance. Electronic system and instrument development also creates a need for more advanced testing equipment with the desire for increased capacity, functionalities, battery life, and more. Another major change that is being seen in various components are the integration of multiple systems into one, further pressing the need for new testing methods.
Due to ever evolving aircraft parts and aerospace technologies, a change in test equipment technology, procedures, and capabilities is heavily sought after. Understanding one’s needs and operations can be helpful in deciding what test equipment is best to procure. When it comes time to begin sourcing the aerospace electronics and test equipment that you need for your next operation or project, look no further than ASAP 360 Unlimited.
ASAP 360 Unlimited is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we can help you find the aerospace systems and technologies you need, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we're always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. ASAP Semiconductor is an FAA AC 00-56B accredited and ISO 9001:2015 certified enterprise. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asappartsunlimited.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780.
