As manufacturers produce RADALTs with more complex waveforms to address safety and security concerns in the aviation industry, VIAVI Solutions has introduced the ALT-9000 Universal Radio Altimeter (RADALT) flight line test set. The device adds fiber latency to traditional RF testing, enabling it to test all current types of RADALTs.
As 5G networks begin to use C-band frequencies, older radalts may lack the necessary interference protection. These trends require updated testing techniques and procedures to manage both old and new RADALT types and allow for rapid retesting to identify issues that may interfere with flight operations. Additionally, to deter potential spoofing or jamming return signals, modern radalts employ more complex waveforms, and the U.S. military has transitioned most of its aircraft to these models. RADALT measures the altitude of an aircraft on the ground by sending radio frequency signals to the ground and receiving reflections.
The unit is a portable test unit that uses fiber optic delays to allow it to work with all types of radio altimeters. It can test the entire RADALT system, allowing operators to isolate problems to the antenna, coax, LRU or indicator, eliminating unnecessary replacement or replacement of system components. It performs complete closed-loop system testing, replicates flight conditions, and generates profiles for dynamic altitude simulations. A complete, efficient and user-friendly testing process allows for more frequent flight system testing, reducing the cost of takeoff failures.
Guy Hill, VIAVI avionics test product director said:”"Two years after the global pandemic, the aviation industry is planning to increase demand and return to normal operations," "Aircraft operators, avionics system manufacturers and maintenance, repair and overhaul service providers Businesses should adopt best practices to prevent further disruption, especially given the increased focus on the safe, secure and efficient operation of radio altimeters. The ALT-9000 is designed to support best practices from all radalt on the market. "
