
1. Autonomous aircraft are rapidly emerging as one of the biggest game-changing trends in aviation. What are your thoughts on it?
The growing global aviation demands, rise in military spending, advancements in technologies, mainly artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and cutting-edge avionics controls and systems are driving the growth of autonomous aircrafts. Long operational ranges, reliable performance, surveillance capabilities, accurate navigation and advanced communication systems are making autonomous aircrafts a key asset for both military and civil applications. Collaborative efforts between aerospace companies, government and industry stakeholders, and investments in R&D are playing a key role in the widespread deployment of autonomous aircrafts across various sectors.
2. What are the latest trends currently in the avionics testing industry?
Avionics testing plays a crucial role in aircraft systems safety, performance, and compliance. As the aerospace and defense industry continue to advance, the demand for highly accurate and efficient avionics test equipment is witnessing substantial growth. With growing complexity in aircraft systems, the need for precision and reliability in avionics has never been greater, therefore, testing needs to be reliable, repeatable, and fast.
Avionics test products are used around the world by civil and military aviation maintenance groups to manufacture, test, and maintain airborne avionics systems. Whether one is testing fuel quantity systems or performance testing airborne communication, navigation and surveillance systems, on-site testing and troubleshooting with precision is essential for the impeccable functioning of modern avionics systems.
3. Could you outline the specific sectors within aviation where VIAVI offers test solutions?
VIAVI offers advanced avionics test solutions that are used to support the development, manufacture, test and maintenance of commercial, private and military airborne electronic systems.
Testing Aircraft Systems in the Airborne Condition
Antenna couplers solve the problem of unreliable radiated power and transponder minimum trigger levels (MTL) when testing avionics over the air in multi-path ramp and hanger environments. They can also help reduce dangerous “false intruders” when performing a transponder test. When used with a GPS simulator, the proper coupler can provide a steady GPS signal in a hangar environment when a simulated static or dynamic GPS signal is required.
Testing of Radio Altimeter Test Systems
Isolating faulty components of installed Radio Altimeter (RADALT) systems typically requires swapping parts from the airframe, increasing downtime and cost. From Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) and Combined Altitude Radar Altimeter (CARA) to Next-Generation variants, technicians can now perform complete closed-loop system tests that replicate dynamic in-flight conditions up to 10,000 ft. Radio altimeter test sets can test the complete radio altimeter system, allowing the operator to isolate a problem with the antenna, coax, LRU, or indicator without unnecessary system component replacements.
Fuel Quantity System Verification
Fuel Quantity test sets, when used with the appropriate specific aircraft interface, can troubleshoot and isolate fuel system issues, calibrate fuel quantity indicators, and uniquely detect contaminated fuel probes.
Develop, Certify, Test and Repair TCAS and Transponders
Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) and transponder LRUs test sets designed for engineering research and development, design validation, manufacturing and return-to-service can certify TCAS computers, ADS-B In receivers (including ground station), ADS-R and TIS-B ground station transmitters, and Mode S/ADS-B Out transponders.
Performance Verification Testing of Critical Airborne Systems
Hand-held avionics test sets can perform quick airborne system auto-tests or in-depth troubleshooting in and around the aircraft using a single test set for communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. Built-in auto-tests and guided tests provide maintenance technicians the ability to perform consistent and repeatable tests.
High-Resolution Multimode OTDR System
Tests complex fiber harnesses, like those used for radar signal transmission, weapons control, and flight navigation and guidance systems with Hi-Res OTDR, Optical Switch, and ATE Software. This equipment can also be used to test fiber cables on warships and submarines.
4. Can you elaborate on how integrating multiple capabilities into a single test set is streamlining testing processes and replacing traditional, standalone test equipment?
From the factory to the flight line, VIAVI’s bench and flight line avionics test solutions and global support provide accurate instruments to test and calibrate airborne equipment for a variety of avionics systems.
VIAVI AVX-10K Military Flight Line Test Set

The AVX-10K is a comprehensive flight line test solution that provides today’s avionics technician with an easy-to-use instrument for testing communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. From a quick airborne system auto-test to an in-depth troubleshooting tool, users can conveniently test around the aircraft or in the cockpit from the touchscreen display or using a mobile device. An intuitive user interface, simplifies testing with built-in auto-tests for transponder applications. Guided tests can be created to replicate existing procedures to assist users for Navigation and AM/FM Communication system verification.
The AVX-10K provides a wide range of quick airborne system auto-tests and in-depth troubleshooting using software specific applications. It helps avionics technicians maximize productivity and efficiency across fixed-base operators (FBOs), avionics and airframe manufacturers, or maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).
5. How does VIAVI simplify the testing process to make it more productive and cost-efficient for the aviation industry?
Modern avionics feature advanced software and hardware components, enabling precise communication, navigation, and automation. Advanced, portable and field-deployable avionics test equipment’s are essential for testing complex avionics systems and controls. VIAVI’s accurate and reliable avionics testing solutions provide the critical data needed to ensure a safe flying environment.
VIAVI Solutions avionics test products are used world-wide by designers, engineers and maintenance personnel to manufacture, test and maintain avionics systems. VIAVI has the experience and capability to deliver technically compliant test solutions in accordance with FAA, EASA, ECAC, ICAO, JAA and other regulatory body technical specifications. With rapid adoption of advanced avionics, the demand for precision testing equipment’s will remain critical to maintaining the highest standards of safety, performance and operational efficiency.