DESCRIPTION:

The VIAVI ALT-8000 is a portable RF-based radio altimeter flight line test platform developed for comprehensive testing, troubleshooting, calibration, and validation of installed FMCW and pulse radio altimeter systems.

Designed for flight line maintenance, avionics troubleshooting, depot maintenance, and return-to-service validation, the ALT-8000 performs complete RF loop testing from the aircraft TX/RX antennas through to cockpit indicators, allowing technicians to replicate real in-flight conditions and isolate faulty components within the installed radio altimeter system.

The platform supports testing of:

FMCW radio altimeters
Pulse radio altimeters
Analog radio altimeter systems
CDF radio altimeter systems
TAWS interfacing systems
GPWS support systems

The ALT-8000 is engineered for:

radio altimeter troubleshooting
flight line diagnostics
avionics maintenance
return-to-service validation
RF system analysis
antenna and feeder verification
receiver sensitivity testing
dynamic altitude simulation
aircraft system verification

The platform incorporates programmable multi-leg climb and descent simulation profiles allowing technicians to simulate landing approaches, flare-out procedures, takeoff profiles, and dynamic altitude changes for realistic avionics system validation.

Its RF loop test capability allows faults to be isolated to antennas, feeders, receivers, transmitters, or cockpit indicators without unnecessary LRU replacement or excessive system disassembly. The software-upgradable architecture allows ongoing support for evolving avionics maintenance requirements.

The ALT-8000 supports direct connection to aircraft-installed systems via UUT T/R interfaces or through supplied antenna couplers for non-invasive installed system testing.

Technical Specifications

Supported Radio Altimeter Types

FMCW radio altimeters
Pulse radio altimeters
Analog radio altimeter systems
CDF radio altimeter systems

RF Frequency Coverage

4.3 GHz radio altimeter systems

Simulated Altitude Capability

Dynamic altitude simulation profiles
Programmable climb/descent simulation
Landing and departure profile simulation

RF Measurement Functions

TX power measurement
TX frequency measurement
Sweep rate analysis
FM deviation analysis
Pulse width measurement
PRF analysis

RF Interfaces

Direct-connect RF testing
Antenna coupler operation
RF loop testing

User Interface

12-inch colour touchscreen display
Windows-based graphical interface
Profile creation and storage capability

Connectivity

Ethernet remote control
USB/LAN connectivity
RS-232 configuration support

Platform Construction

Portable ruggedised design
Flight line deployable architecture
Battery-powered operation

Environmental

MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2
MIL-STD-810F compliant

Platform Configuration Options

Operational Configurations

Available platform operational configurations include:

Flight line radio altimeter testing
Dynamic altitude simulation
Receiver sensitivity verification
Installed system RF loop testing
Antenna coupler testing
Direct-connect avionics testing

Multi-Channel Configurations

The ALT-8000 supports:

Single-channel operation
Coordinated multi-channel testing
Auto-land system simulation
Synchronized altitude simulation profiles

Aircraft System Compatibility

The platform supports deployment across:

commercial aviation
military aircraft
business aviation
helicopter avionics systems
transport aircraft maintenance environments

Standard Accessories

Typical supplied accessories include:

Transit case
AC power supply
Rechargeable battery
RF coaxial cables
Antenna couplers
RF adapters
Operational documentation

Optional Accessories

Available optional accessories include:

Low-loss RF coaxial cables
Spare battery packs
External battery chargers
Maintenance manuals
Additional RF interface accessories

Key Features

RF-based radio altimeter flight line test platform
FMCW and pulse radio altimeter support
Complete installed system RF loop testing
Dynamic altitude simulation capability
Programmable climb/descent profiles
Direct-connect and antenna coupler operation
TX power and frequency analysis
Receiver sensitivity verification
Portable ruggedised architecture
Battery-powered field deployment
Ethernet remote control capability
Windows-based touchscreen interface
Software-upgradable platform
Commercial and military avionics compatibility
Flight line and depot maintenance support