Aircraft TCAS Testing

Main Components:

• • • • TCAS Computer Unit: This unit performs airspace surveillance, intruder tracking, its own aircraft altitude tracking, threat detection, resolution advisory (RA) maneuver determination and selection, and generation of advisories.
      • TCAS Antennae: Typically, there are two antennae used to send and receive transponder signals from other aircraft.
      • Transponder: Works in conjunction with the TCAS to provide the relative position of other aircraft.
      • Display System: A visual and aural system that alerts pilots to potential threats and suggests evasive maneuvers.

• • • After receiving transponder signals from nearby aircraft, the TCAS system constructs a 3-D map of the airspace.
    • With surrounding aircraft, the TCAS system will provide a Traffic Advisory.
    • If a potential collision is detected, TCAS will present an audible and visual notification to the pilots.
    • The TCAS system will tell the pilot to climb or descend to avoid a collision. This is known as a Resolution Advisory.

Functional Testing:

• • • • Regularly testing the TCAS system of an aircraft is essential to its performance.
      • Test systems like the ARTS-7000 can transmit radio signals to the aircraft under test that simulates another aircraft moving toward or away from the aircraft under test in different scenarios.
      • These tests will ensure aircraft TCAS systems are responding appropriately, with correct advisories.