How to gain Accuracy, Time, and Space - Testing Commercial Aircraft Radomes to RTCA-DO-213A Standards Poses New Challenges

Radome repair and testing procedures have traditionally been subject to regulations and standardized guidelines by the RTCA, however, technological advances, whether in antennas or test techniques, have incited progress and precision in radome performance testing.

In recent years the RTCA has reassessed its guidance standards for the testing of commercial aircraft radomes, making substantial changes to its criteria and strengthening the accuracy requirements in the testing of repaired radomes. These regulatory changes have been welcomed by the industry, however, since the implementation of the RTCA-DO-213A, testing techniques and equipment are being challenged to comply with the changes in regulations. In parallel, the logistical demands of the marketplace, like many sectors, has moved in favor of time efficiencies and using less space.

We have delved into the new requirements in the RTCA-DO-213A standards and the whitepaper that results explains the changes and how they have affected traditional radome testing methodologies in the aircraft radome repair and test industry. It also presents the latest near-field technology enabling radome repair facilities to complete faster test and repair outputs with respect to these new RTCA standards.