Application of TENA in Real-Time Wireless Flight Test Engineering with Tablet Support

Abstract

Flight line checkout of aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) is a necessary part of Test Range operations. Checkout systems have been designed to support the Flight Test Engineer (FTE) and aircraft technicians to validate the operations of the aircraft instrumentation systems and to help in troubleshooting problems. Current systems in use by the FTE include using range assets, such as range Telemetry Receiving system, and even home built systems. One system used at Edwards Flight Test Center is called the Instrumentation Ground Support Units (IGSU) or "Taco Carts", a system that contains the basic elements of a telemetry ground system that also has the additional capability to connect directly to the aircraft. This presentation shows advancement prototypes that enable the FTE access to modern technologies that will provide efficiencies using wireless networks, tablets and the Test and Training Enabling Architecture (TENA) TENA through activities developed as part of the TENA in Resource Constrained Environments (TRCE) project.