For decades, the flight test industry has relied on localized mission control rooms, where engineers and subject matter experts gather to analyze real-time data from an aircraft. However, the increasing need for interfacility cooperation and the global nature of modern aerospace programs have driven a demand for more flexible, distributed solutions.

Video capture and encoding is a key function of flight test data acquisition systems, which monitor aircraft surfaces and store deployment, capture HUD displays.

Many aerospace vehicles are constantly developing even as they are fielded and used daily. Their flight test programs can span multiple years or even decades as improvements and new capabilities are added throughout their lifespan.

One approach for significantly reducing wiring weight and simplifying the installation of distributed data acquisition systems (DAS) on test aircraft is to leverage Power Over Ethernet (PoE), first standardized by the IEEE in 2003[1].

Hypersonic platforms provide a challenge for flight test campaigns due to the application’s flight profiles and environments.

Modern flight test programs generate huge amounts of data that require interrogation to investigate phenomena and ascertain program status as well as for use in final reporting.

This white paper examines the different approaches to building a comprehensive FTI system, the advantages and disadvantages of mixing different vendors’ products, and the likely impact of future developments.

For many aircraft, there is sufficient space to place data acquisition units (DAU), recorders, and transmitters in a dedicated instrumentation rack and/or throughout the aircraft. However, there are several aircraft where there is very limited space.

This white paper discusses an approach where data acquisition units (DAU) conduct the fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis in real-time to optimize PCM telemetry bandwidth.

This white paper discusses an approach where data acquisition units (DAU) conduct the fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis in real-time to optimize PCM telemetry bandwidth.

This white paper looks at different TSPI solutions and discusses requirements before concluding with thoughts on an optimal system for modern flight test applications.

This white paper highlights common post-test software requirements and suggests solutions that are codified in a new software tool.