Military and aerospace test facility

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology

ISSN: 0002-2667

Article publication date: 1 June 2004

121

Keywords

Citation

(2004), "Military and aerospace test facility", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776caf.005

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited


Military and aerospace test facility

Military and aerospace test facility

Keywords: Aerospace, Testing, Aircraft

One-stop compliance solution specialist, TRL Compliance Services Ltd has launched a military and aerospace test facility at Ashchurch, near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, UK (Plate 1).

Representing an investment of £1 million, the new test and certification facility will see Gloucestershire neighbour, Smiths Aerospace, as the first TRL client to take advantage of the company's specialist knowledge across a range of test disciplines and directives – including MIL STD 461/2, DBF STAN 59-41, 61-5 and RTCA/DO160D.

Plate 1 One-stop compliance solution specialist, TRL Compliance Services Ltd has launched a military and aerospace test facility at Ashchurch, near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. From left, Vic Fisher, Qualification and Reliability Manager at Smiths Aerospace with Steve Hayes, Manager TRL EMC Division

Smiths Aerospace is testing its electrical load management system (ELMS2) for the new long- range 777-300ER airplane. Set to be fitted to all Boeing 777 airplanes delivered from October 2003, the ELMS2 system uses the latest remote data interfacing.

Vic Fisher, Qualification and Reliability Manager at Smiths Aerospace comments: “TRL's expertise combined with close proximity makes for the ideal partnership. The company has the flexibility to respond quickly to our requirements and provide advice and guidance on an on-going basis.”

TRL's test facilities include three purpose-built electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test chambers capable of accommodating products ranging from small, hand-held devices such as radios through to large equipment systems. With UKAS accreditation extending across all TRL's EMC facilities, the company can also offer this specialist test service in the north of England from its base at Up Holland in West Lancashire.

Steve Hayes, Manager, TRL EMC Division comments: “With a gap in the market for a specialist service in this sector, we can offer commercial experience and a non- bureaucratic approach – working in partnership with clients at every stage. As test programmes typically take from two to three weeks up to several months, the company works to smooth the process and speed up time to market by identifying issues and ironing out any problems to ensure total compliance at all stages.”

TRL EMC offers a consultation for clients to discuss test set up and procedures as well as writing EMC test plans for contractual requirements, complete qualification testing and approvals management.

TRL also offers a broad base of services – providing “total compliance solutions” from the initial product concept through to its launch onto the market and throughout its life cycle. Backed by independent, hands-on assistance outside the regulatory arena, TRL also provides advice and guidance to customers on a range of issues from identifying suitable materials through to specialised design consultancy.

TRL Compliance Services Ltd is accredited by UKAS for laboratory and on-site test and measurement work and currently employs mobile teams, capable of deployment worldwide.

Details available from: EMC Division. Tel: +44 (0)1684 833818; Fax: +44 (0)1684 833858.

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