DO-160 Testing for Aerospace
Compliance and Safety
DO-160 testing evaluates the performance of airborne equipment under environmental and electromagnetic conditions experienced in aviation environments.
DO-160 Testing for Aerospace
Principles
DO-160 Testing Services
At Eurofins MET Labs, we provide comprehensive testing services to help manufacturers validate avionics, ensure flight safety, and achieve global aerospace compliance.
Our accredited laboratories support testing from early development through certification, helping you reduce risk and accelerate time to market.
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Benefits
What Is DO-160 Testing?
A standard developed by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) that defines environmental and EMC testing requirements for airborne equipment.
It applies to:
- Commercial aircraft
- Military aircraft (in some applications)
- Helicopters and general aviation
- Avionics and onboard electronic systems
DO-160 testing ensures that equipment:
- Operates safely under real-world flight conditions
- Withstands environmental and electromagnetic stress
- Maintains performance across the full lifecycle
The current version, DO-160G, is widely recognized alongside EUROCAE ED-14 for global aviation compliance.
Capabilities
DO-160 Testing Capabilities
Eurofins MET Labs provides full-scope testing across environmental and electromagnetic categories.
Environmental Simulation Testing
- Temperature and altitude (Section 4)
- Temperature variation (Section 5)
- Humidity (Section 6)
- Shock and crash safety (Section 7)
- Vibration (Section 8)
- Waterproofness (Section 10)
- Sand, dust, and fluid susceptibility
- Icing and salt spray
EMC & Electrical Testing
- Magnetic effects (Section 15)
- Power input and voltage variations (Section 16–17)
- Conducted susceptibility (Section 18)
- Induced signal susceptibility (Section 19)
- Radiated and conducted RF susceptibility (Section 20)
- Electrostatic discharge (ESD) (Section 25)
Lightning & HIRF Testing
- Lightning indirect effects (Section 22)
- Lightning direct effects (Section 23)
- High Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF) testing
- Transient susceptibility and surge testing
Compliance
Why Perform DO-160 Testing?
Testing helps manufacturers to:
Ensure safety and reliability of airborne systems
Meet FAA, EASA, and global aviation requirements
Validate performance under extreme flight conditions
Reduce risk of in-flight failures
Support certification and regulatory approval
Improve product robustness and lifecycle performance
Our engineers work closely with development and compliance teams to design test programs aligned with application requirements.
Coverage
Aerospace Testing Facilities & Technical Capabilities
Eurofins MET Labs operates advanced aerospace testing facilities designed to simulate real-world aviation conditions. Our capabilities include:
RF anechoic EMC chambers
Environmental simulation chambers
Vibration and mechanical stress systems
Lightning and surge testing equipment
High-altitude and pressure simulation
We support both standard DO-160 programs and customized test plans tailored to your product and certification requirements.
Process
How DO-160 Testing Works
1. Define applicable sections based on equipment category
2. Develop structured test plan
3. Perform environmental and EMC testing
4. Monitor system performance under stress conditions
5. Deliver detailed technical reports for certification
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DO-160 and MIL-STD testing?
The former applies to commercial aviation equipment, while MIL-STD standards are used for military applications. Some overlap exists in environmental and EMC testing methods.
Is DO-160 testing required for certification?
Yes. This testing is a key requirement for FAA and EASA certification of airborne equipment.
Can DO-160 testing be combined with other standards?
Yes. Testing programs often combine this standard with MIL-STD, IEC, or OEM-specific requirements depending on the application.
Request a Quote for DO-160 Testing
If you require testing for avionics validation, aerospace certification, or environmental simulation, our specialists are ready to assist.
