Track 1: Flexible Testing of an Electric Aircraft: tools and methods used to construct a flexible testing platform

Wednesday, 29 September 2021 14:45 - 15:15

Creating test solutions for the R&D or production environment is becoming increasingly difficult. Equipment shortages have led to rising costs and lead times, which has driven the need for flexible, re-usable test systems that can be deployed across entire product development lifecycles. In addition, developments in R&D test systems (the push to Hardware-In-the-Loop technology) and the new requirements for battery powered aircraft (EV systems testing) increase the complexity of the test systems. As the specifications are often unknown early in the development cycle or are being continually redefined as suppliers are chosen, how can you best plan for the un-plannable? Creating a standardised flexible test platform is proven to reduce overall system cost and reserve hardware in advance before all component suppliers are chosen. This is done whilst targeting the needs of multiple Devices Under Test. This presentation will provide an overview of some of the technology and methods used to achieve these flexible solutions, referencing real solutions used at Heart Aerospace in Sweden (delivered by ALIARO). Planning for the un-plannable may be tough, but being unprepared would be tougher!

Christopher Hyde, System Architect, Aliaro