Radio altimeter adds fibre optic delay to RF testing suite
Fibre optic delay has been added to traditional RF testing in the ALT-9000 universal radio altimeter (RADALT) flight line test set. Viavi Solutions claimed that the ALT-9000 can test all types of RADALTS on the market today.
The RADALT measures an aircraft’s altitude above the terrain, by transmitting a RF signal down to the ground and receiving a reflection. To prevent potential spoofing or jamming of the return signal, modern RADALTs use more complex waveforms, and the US military has transitioned a majority of its aircraft to these models. As 5G networks begin to use C-band frequencies, older RADALTs may lack the required interference protection, explained Viavi.
The VIAVI ALT-9000 is a portable test set that uses fibre optic delay to allow it to work with all types of radio altimeters. It tests the complete RADALT system, allowing the operator to isolate a problem to the antenna, coaxial cable, line-replaceable unit (LRU) or indicator, eliminating unnecessary swaps or replacements of system components. The ALT-9000 performs complete closed loop system tests, replicates in-flight conditions, and creates profiles for dynamic altitude simulations. The comprehensive test process enables more frequent testing of flight systems, reducing the cost of take off failures.
Viavi offers a broad portfolio of avionics test solutions, delivering reliable R&D, flight line, factory and return-to-service test solutions to the avionics market for more than 40 years. The ALT-9000 joins the AVX-10K flight line test set, enabling verification testing of critical airborne systems from a simple-to-use device.
Viavi is a provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for communications service providers, enterprises, network equipment manufacturers, government and avionics. It helps customers harness the power of instruments, automation, intelligence and virtualisation and also offers light management solutions for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, and defence applications.
