NMG is proud to offer a robust portfolio of aerospace testing capabilities to validate the environmental, structural, and functional performance of aircraft parts, products, and components. We’ve aligned our capabilities at our state-of-the-art aircraft testing and qualification facilities with RTCA DO-160 and other critical aerospace testing standards to ensure that we can help our customers remain competitive and current in the aerospace industry. In addition to standard tests, we can also design custom aerospace testing protocols for R&D and predicting outcomes of unique situations and environments. Whether we’re running an industry-standard test, such as RTCA DO-160, or designing a custom aircraft testing protocol, we emphasize accuracy, reliability, and repeatability to ensure quality data.
NMG’s Qualification Testing Capabilities
Temperature Testing
From the heat of launch to the extreme chill of altitude, aerospace components are often exposed to a wide range of extreme temperatures while in service. The purpose of temperature testing is to predict how a given material or component will perform under these circumstances. NMG’s thermal shock and environmental test chambers can recreate these dramatic temperature swings or prolonged periods of extreme exposure in a controlled aerospace testing laboratory environment.
Altitude Testing
Changes in altitude are often accompanied by drastic changes in both temperature and pressure. Aircraft parts and materials must be able to withstand these changes while continuing to fulfill their intended purpose. Laboratory altitude testing allows manufacturers to demonstrate how an aircraft component will handle altitude changes without ever leaving the ground.
Humidity Testing
Many aircraft components are exposed to humid environments while in service. While excess humidity can cause a number of issues, the greatest is corrosion, which can lead to mechanical failure and electrical shortages. Understanding the effects of humidity is vital to designing a system that can maintain performance when exposed to humid conditions. NMG leverages RTCA DO-160 humidity testing methods to allow manufacturers to qualify the effects of humidity on aerospace components in a controlled environment so they can validate performance.
Shock and Crash Safety Testing
Even in normal operations, an aircraft—and its many components and assemblies—can experience a variety of shocks. Landing, taxiing, strong winds during flight, and other standard events can transmit shock throughout the aircraft. RTCA DO-160 operation shock and crash safety testing is designed to demonstrate how aircraft parts respond to these forces by recreating shocks in an aircraft testing laboratory setting.
Vibration Testing
Propellers, fans, turbojets, and other aerospace mechanisms generate a lot of vibration while in service. The intensity and duration of vibration can vary depending on the aircraft and the flight. Aircraft components can be subjected to standardized vibration profiles in an aerospace testing lab based on what they may encounter in service to ensure compliance with performance standards. NMG has deep knowledge of the vibration testing methods for each aircraft outlined in RTCA DO-160.
Waterproofness or Fluid Susceptibility Testing
From puddles on the runway to precipitation in the skies, aircraft are exposed to moisture. Fluid susceptibility testing assesses a component’s vulnerability to fluid ingress and fluid contamination. NMG can recreate a wide range of fluid exposure scenarios in a controlled laboratory setting based on the unique environment of each component. RTCA DO-160 test methods range from full immersion or soak testing to minimal contact or dripping.
Icing Testing
Changes in altitude, humidity, and temperature can lead to ice buildup on aircraft. Icing test protocols can recreate several icing scenarios, based on the location of a component within an aircraft, and determine whether performance is compromised by icing. This type of aerospace testing is conducted in a specialized environmental test chamber.
Other Tests: RTCA DO-160 and Custom Protocols
NMG’s aerospace and aircraft testing facilities are equipped for a wide range of additional validation, performance, and conditioning tests. In addition to RTCA DO-160 testing, we can design custom protocols and combine multiple variables to recreate unique service environments based on our customers’ needs.
What Is RTCA DO-160 Testing?
RTCA stands for Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics. RTCA DO-160 is an aerospace testing standard that describes laboratory testing methods for assessing the performance of aircraft parts in different environmental conditions. RTCA DO-160 includes 23 different aerospace testing procedures, such as temperature, humidity, and vibration testing. Each RTCA DO-160 test procedure includes options for tailoring the method based on the type of aircraft or component undergoing testing.
The RTCA is not a government entity, but many RTCA DO-160 test procedures have been adopted by federal agencies, such as the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Continuous Improvement
NMG’s robust in-house aerospace testing capabilities are an important pillar of our commitment to continuous improvement. While aircraft testing is vital to demonstrating compliance, it also reveals data and insight that can pave the way for the next generation of exceptional aerospace components and platforms. Our team members are always looking to make our aircraft testing processes better so we can help you make your products better and remain competitive in the ever-changing aerospace market.
How Can We Support You?
Tell us about the components you need – we’re here to help you overcome your challenges with service and science that take you to new heights.
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