By the end of this year, the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University will open several environmental laboratories to perform a full range of RTCA DO-160 testing in the areas of temperature and altitude, temperature variation, humidity, operational shocks and crash safety, vibration, explosion proofness, waterproofness, fluids susceptibility, sand and dust, fungus resistance, salt spray, magnetic effect, power input, voltage spike, audio frequency-controlled susceptibility, induced-signal susceptibility, radio-frequency susceptibility, emission of radio frequency energy, lightning-induced transient susceptibility, icing, electrostatic discharge and fire/flammability.

This combination of laboratories enables Wichita aircraft manufacturers and parts manufacturers to perform all DO-160 testing in one location, instead of performing tests at various locations throughout the country. Establishment of these laboratories was recommended by the NIAR Industry Advisory Board.

DO-160 is a set of guidelines developed by the Radio Technical Commission on Aeronautics. DO-160 certification is not a requirement, but it is recommended.

RTCA, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit corporation that develops consensus-based recommendations regarding communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system issues. RTCA functions as a Federal Advisory Committee. Its recommendations are used by the Federal Aviation Administration as the basis for policy, program and regulatory decisions and by the private sector as the basis for development, investment and other business decisions.

NIAR is an associate member of the RTCA.

Check the links above to find out more about the capabilities of each of NIAR's Environmental Test Labs.

CONTACT

Tim Hickey
Director
(316) 978-8204
thickey@niar.wichita.edu

Wade Davis
Manager
(316) 978-6718
wade.davis@wichita.edu