DoD electrical testing applications

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) requires wire harness testing on all aircraft.  This article gives an overview of DoD electrical testing applications where MK Test Systems can provide solutions.  Written by Steve Hill, Sales Account Manager and our US defense applications expert.

Summary

For over 35 years, Army weapon systems have relied on automatic test systems (ATS) to diagnose and isolate platform failures. Two kinds of systems diagnose electrical issues for all levels of weapon and cabin systems:

• At-platform automatic test systems (APATS)
• Off-platform automatic test systems (OPATS)

 

Modern ATS for Force 25 and Beyond

Air and ground weapon systems are not fail proof; they require regular maintenance and testing to ensure their readiness. As the DoD transforms to Force 2025 and beyond, innovation of modernized automatic test systems must keep pace so the military can (with confidence) shoot, move, and communicate on demand.  MK Test is the industry front runner for high-tech testing in all stages of the aircraft from build to maintenance. With systems ranging from the RTS (Real Time Scanner) used while building the wire harness on the form board, to Automeg testers at each stage of the aircraft build, to Loop and Bond testing (ExLRT / BLRT) for verification against EMI attacks, to slip ring testing.

 

Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI)

Modern warfare is not just bullets and bombs, with the growing EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) weapons being built to cause interference with the avionics and weapon systems installed on modern aircraft, the MK Test ExLRT (Loop Resistance Tester) has become a required tool. By verifying the connection loops on the aircraft designed to block EMI attacks attached correctly, this reduces the chances of an EMI attack be effective against modern aircraft and rendering it ineffective in combat situations.

 

 

 

Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eV/eVTOL)

The DOD is incorporating eV/eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) systems in the air and on the ground. This requires a specialized EV tester which MK Test currently is producing and has sold in both the USA and abroad. The MK Test Automeg EV tester was designed with electric vehicle manufactures to provide testing of each critical circuit on the electric vehicle, from the wiring harness to function testing of all critical components, to the ground loops and battery. This system is being incorporated into the eVTOL aircraft manufacturing in both commercial and military markets.

 

Slip ring testing

Slip ring testers are the most overlooked tester in the market, yet a critical requirement for the DOD. Our next-gen slip ring testers have applications such as Bradley Fighting Vehicles and satellite manufacturing.  MK has sold multiple slipring testers into these markets with successful feedback.

 

 

 

 

 

We can help with your DoD electrical testing requirements

MK Test Systems are authorized suppliers to the DoD.  Our CAGE code is 8EGR1, and our UEI is DMSXKFUC8ZK1.

If you supply wire harnesses, sub-assemblies, vehicles, or other systems to the DoD our systems will fulfil your testing requirements.  Get in touch with us to discuss how we can help you.

This article is available as a PDF download – click here to download.