Focus

This four day Course addresses the evolution of the Flight Test Program: the need for the Flight Test Program, Assets required and Data Types identified. 1553 and 1760 data busses are explained in detail and civil and newer data busses are covered. The types of Time, Space, Position Information (TSPI) are discussed as well as their relationship with test requirements. The differences in Test Programs and Organizational Structures are explained as well as the Test Community’s relationship with the customer. Human Factors, Controls and Displays and the Test and Evaluation of specific Avionics and Weapons Systems are covered in detail. The lecture is augmented with video instruction as well as real-life examples of Flight Test successes and failures.

Instructor

Robert E. McShea, BS Aero Engineering, Syracuse University, Director, Avionics and Systems Academic Programs at the National Test Pilot School, Mojave, CA. Responsible for the formulation, preparation and Instruction of all Avionics and Weapons Systems Academics taught at the school. Mr. McShea was formerly employed as a Senior Technical Specialist on the B-2 RADAR program at the Northrop-Grumman Corp. in Palmdale. Prior to that assignment, he was employed by the Grumman Corporation in Calverton, Long Island as a Group Manager for Avionics and Weapons Systems Test, Test and Evaluation Department. His responsibilities included the development and test of new and upgraded avionics and weapons systems. Mr. McShea has been involved in numerous T&E Avionics programs with duties ranging from Lead Engineer to Project Manager.

Audience

This Course is designed for personnel involved with requirements definition, integration, development and test of Avionics and Weapons Systems. Although the Course is slanted towards Flight Test, the concepts are valid for all phases of development. Engineers new to the field, or in the field for some time, Test Managers and Program Directors will gain useful information from the Course. Time is allotted within each section to discuss problems or questions which may be of particular interest to individual participants.

Course Outline

Overview

• What is Flight Test
• Why is there a need for Flight Test
• Program Concepts/Goals
• Contractual Requirements
• DTE/OTE Differences
• Demonstration/Spec Compliance

System Architecture

• 1553/1760 Bus Overview
• Data Words and Messages
• Bus Controllers and Remote Terminals
• Other Data Busses (ARINC 429, EBR-1553, IEEE 1394b)

Range Sources/Attributes/TSPI

• Types of Time, Space, Position Information
• Accuracies
• Sensor Fusion
• GPS/DGPS
• Threat Emmiter Ranges

Crew Station Evaluation and Human Factors

• Purpose of the Crew Station Evaluation
• Minimum Crew Requirements
• Workload and Workload Assessment
• Subjective Rating Scales

Controls and Displays

• Types of Testing
• Evaluation and Functional Tests
• Requirements and Pertinent Documentation

Typical Avionics and Weapons Systems

• Electro-magnetic Interference and Compatibility (EMI/EMC)
• Communications
• INS
• GPS
• RADAR
• EO/IR

A Typical Flight Test Program

• Defining the Test
• Asset Planning
• Estimating
• Preparation of the Test Plan
• Test Objectives/Points/Cards
• Brief. Debrief and Conduct of Flight
• Flight Analysis and Reporting

Lessons Learned