subject: Why Radome Testing Is Essential For Aircraft [print this page] Why Radome Testing Is Essential For Aircraft
As with any vehicle, it is vital to keep an aircraft in peak working order to insure safety and efficiency while in flight. One of the main components of aircraft testing is frequent radome testing and repair.
The radome is one of the most vital structures of any aircraft. The radome is the nose cone of an aircraft, behind which the radar and other essential equipment lies. If the radome is damaged, this can lead to significant problems and danger issues for any aircraft.
It is vital for any airliner to have their aircraft's radome tested frequently. By complying with radome testing, aircraft companies can be sure to notice minor problems with the aircraft's radome and make essential repairs as a matter of urgency. Radome testing can save an aircraft company a lot of money in the long run as radome tests will spot minor problems which could become major dangers within a very short time.
One of the main problems aircraft radomes encounter is cracks to the structure. Not only can minor cracks develop into larger cracks very quickly, but also can let a significant amount of moisture to accumulate within the body of the radome. This can be extremely problematic as moisture within the radome can effect the radar system housed within. Moisture can cause major malfunctions with electronic based hardware and could ultimately result in a serious accident, if not discovered immediately.
Radome testing sites do test for cracks within the radome's composite and also for significant moisture levels within the radome's body. If cracks are discovered through radome test procedures, repairs can be made to the composite radome structure immediately. This will reduce the chance of continued moisture damage to occur while the aircraft is in flight.
Most radome testing and repair companies work within their own in house MRO facilities. These MRO facilities contain testing chambers and equipment to test the aircraft's radome. Radome tests performed in house can often be most beneficial as repairs can be carried our instantly, and new work on radomes can be retested to insure that all is in order.
Some radome testing and repair companies also offer on location testing for aircrafts which have been grounded. Radome testing and repair technicians can visit the location of the grounded air craft. Repairs can be carried out swiftly and effectively, without the air craft owners having to pay additional costs to move their air craft to a different location.
Companies such as Applied Composite Engineering, based in Indianapolis, provide radome testing and repair for all sectors of the aviation industry. Their radome engineers are constantly educated with the latest radome testing and repair techniques to insure that all aircrafts they inspect are working to their absolute peak performance. Applied Composite Engineering work with companies such as AAR and Bell, as well as agencies such as NASA, to insure that their aircrafts are maintained and working in best order. Applied Composite Engineering is one of the most experienced and sought after radome testing and repair companies within the continental United States.
