VIAVI ALT-9000 radio altimeter (RADALT) flight line test set

VIAVI Solutions has announced the ALT-9000 universal radio altimeter (RADALT) flight line test set. The product adds fibre-optic delay to traditional radio frequency (RF) testing, enabling it to test all types of RADALTS on the market today.

The RADALT measures an aircraft’s altitude above the terrain, by transmitting a radio frequency (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. Also, as 5G networks begin to use C-band frequencies, older RADALTs may lack the required interference protection. These trends call for updated testing technology and procedures to address legacy and new RADALT types, and to enable rapid retesting to identify issues that can disrupt flight operations.

The portable test set utilises 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 product performs complete closed-loop system tests, replicates in-flight conditions, and creates profiles for dynamic altitude simulations. The comprehensive, efficient and user-friendly test process enables more frequent testing of flight systems.

After two years of the global pandemic, aircraft operators, avionics system manufacturers, and maintenance, repair and overhaul service providers are looking to adopt best practices to prevent further disruption, especially with increased focus on safety, security and efficient operation of radio altimeters. The test set has been designed to support those best practices for all RADALTs on the market.