Name: RTCA DO-160 testing laboratory
Brand: FILAB
SKU: FILAB-204049
Rating: 4.9 (83 reviews)

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As an aerospace manufacturer, you would like to carry out analyses in accordance with the RTCA DO-160 testing procedure

What is the RTCA DO-160 test procedure?

The RTCA DO-160 testing procedure is an international aerospace industry standard that defines the environmental requirements and test methods for electronic and electrical equipment used in aircraft. Published by the RTCA (Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics), it serves as a reference to ensure that such equipment operates reliably in the harsh environments of aviation.

The objectives of the DO-160 standard

Reliability: ensuring that equipment operates correctly in a wide range of environmental conditions.

Safety: preventing failures that could compromise flight safety.

Compliance: meeting the regulatory requirements of the aviation authorities (FAA, EASA, etc.).

Why comply with the RTCA DO-160 standard?

The DO-160 standard is of significant use to the aerospace industry. Manufacturers of aeronautical equipment must demonstrate that their products comply with the requirements of this standard in order to obtain certification and allow them to be integrated into aircraft. Airlines, for their part, ensure that the equipment installed on their aircraft guarantees both safety and reliability. Finally, the regulatory authorities use this standard as a reference to validate equipment certification.

The advantages of the DO-160 standard are numerous. It reduces risk by identifying and correcting potential weaknesses in equipment. Thanks to its standardisation, it provides manufacturers with a common framework that facilitates the certification process. Finally, it guarantees greater reliability, making equipment better suited to the extreme conditions encountered during flights.

How is the DO160 standard implemented?

DO-160 tests are carried out during the equipment development process. These tests are carried out in specialised laboratories by qualified engineers and technicians with the necessary expertise and tools. They enable electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests to be carried out, as well as tests in climatic, mechanical and other specific environments.

FILAB laboratory carries out RTCA DO-160 testing

FILAB: SAFRAN-approved laboratory

For several years, FILAB has held the Laboratory Qualification issued by the SAFRAN Group under procedures GRP-0087 and GRM-0123. The accreditation covers chemical analysis of metal alloys and mineral products: elemental analysers (C/S, N/O and H), Spark Optical Emission Spectrometry (SEO) and Plasma Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES).

This accreditation has been renewed several times, following regular audits carried out by SAFRAN on our premises. It shows recognition of the organisation, work and knowledge of our teams and their ability to meet the requirements of the aerospace sector.

For more information, please consult our Attestation de Qualification des Procédés Spéciaux (AQPS n° 7).

The tests required by the DO-160 standard carried out at the FILAB laboratory

At the Filab laboratory, several tests related to the DO-160 standard can be carried out to meet the requirements of manufacturers and players in the aerospace industry. These tests focus on chemical, physical and materials analyses to ensure equipment compliance and reliability. Here are the main tests carried out:

Identification and control of the composition of metal alloys

Salt spray corrosion

Surface treatment analysis

Mechanical testing: hardness measurement, fatigue test, tensile test, bending tests ...

Search for contaminants: residues, metallic particles

Surface characterization

Studies of delamination or adhesion of coatings subjected to mechanical or chemical stresses

Accelerated ageing test