A New Automated Test System For Horizons

Automated test system (ATS) is one that can carry out measurement, data processing automatically and display or output test results in appropriate way under less human participation. The entire testing work is accomplished automatically by the testing program which has programmed in advance. With the development of aeronautical technology, the requirement to testing technology and equipment improves gradually, which concretely shown in more test parameters, broader test range,higher accuracy,greater capacities and higher flexibility. But at present for some test systems, the automation and testing accuracy are low and measuring range is not all-round.The horizon as one of the most important airborne equipment is used to reflect the airplane's pose, and its performance is critical to flight safety. The paper discusses a new kind of ATS for horizon BDP-4.The paper firstly analyzes the testing methods of various properties in detail, based on the introduction of the structure and operation principle of horizon BDP-4. Then the design scheme of the test system is presented. The design rule of each part and the design of the switching equipment and the secondary adjustable power supply are discussed. The design of testing software, some test processes, database and data inquiring and processing program are also given in emphasis. Finally, the process of debugging and the analysis of testing results are discussed.The ATS of horizon BDP-4 designed in this paper with the characteristics of high measuring precision, automation and intelligent level has been used in aeronautic service factories.