Verification of Networked Aircraft Systems

Testing multiple networked aircraft systems is one of the major challenges in verification and validation at the aircraft level. Some systems offer functionalities that are distributed across different locations in the aircraft or have dependencies to other systems, so engineers have to test these systems in a shared test environment. In late development phases, engineers use an integration test rig that corresponds to the aircraft in size and dimensions, and also includes the production of the cable harnesses. The test rig consists of multiple real electrical or electro-mechanical systems, such as electric power systems, the nose wheel steering system, and control surface actuators. The networked aircraft systems are connected to multiple SCALEXIO systems, which simulate missing parts of the aircraft in real time, for example, the engines. The dSPACE HIL simulators also provide navigation and environment data, including aerodynamics, that are representative of the flight scenario.