초록 ▼

An automated test apparatus (10) for testing the flight controls system of an aircraft (12) as part of an integrated system for testing a plurality of aircraft systems. The automated test apparatus includes a system controller (16) having memory (18) for storing programmed instructions that control

An automated test apparatus (10) for testing the flight controls system of an aircraft (12) as part of an integrated system for testing a plurality of aircraft systems. The automated test apparatus includes a system controller (16) having memory (18) for storing programmed instructions that control operation of the automated test apparatus, and for storing resulting flight controls system test data. The automated test apparatus includes a keyboard (20), a touch screen (24), and a tape drive (22) for entering programmed instructions and other information into the automated test apparatus, and for outputting test data from the system controller. Instruments (26) included in the automated test apparatus and controlled by the system controller generate test signals that are input to the aircraft\s flight controls system, and monitor resulting test data signals that are produced by the flight controls system. The automated test apparatus is connected by an interface cable (28) to an onboard central maintenance computer (30) included in the aircraft. The central maintenance computer includes a non-volatile memory that is programmed to run onboard tests of the flight controls system, and is controlled by the system controller during testing in accordance with the programmed instructions to run the onboard tests.

대표청구항 ▼

An automated test apparatus for testing a flight controls system of an aircraft, the aircraft including an onboard maintenance computer that is connected to the flight controls system and a non-volatile memory that is programmed to run onboard tests of the flight controls system, said apparatus comp

An automated test apparatus for testing a flight controls system of an aircraft, the aircraft including an onboard maintenance computer that is connected to the flight controls system and a non-volatile memory that is programmed to run onboard tests of the flight controls system, said apparatus comprising: a system controller having memory means for storing programmed instructions that control operation of the automated test apparatus to automatically test the flight controls system and for storing flight controls system test data; information entry means for entering information into said system controller; output means for outputting said test data from said system controller; instrumentation means for generating a first set of signals that are input to the flight controls system, and for monitoring a second set of signals that are produced by the flight controls system, said instrumentation means being controlled by said system controller and connected to provide digital signals to said system controller corresponding to at least some of the second set of signals; and interface means connecting said system controller to at least said onboard maintenance computer, said system controller controlling the onboard maintenance computer in accordance with the programmed instructions to run the onboard tests of the flight controls system while the aircraft is on the ground, in coordination with the first set of signals generated by said instrumentation means, results of the onboard tests being conveyed through said interface means to said system controller.