BIRMINGHAM, UK - 09 March 2006 - Conekt, the engineering consultancy arm of TRW, today announced a 600k euro investment in its UK aerospace centre of excellence. The investment has been made to further expand the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) services available at its Solihull facility and includes the purchase of a high intensity radiated field (HIRF) test system.
The development reinforces Conekt's position as the UK's most advanced commercial EMC test facility for aerospace systems, complementing Conekt's recent acquisition of an extensive EMC lightning strike test system.
The investment incorporates a suite of high powered amplifiers and horn antennas capable of raising Conekt's existing free-field HIRF capability from 200V/m to 3000V/m, across a frequency range of 400MHz to18GHz. The equipment will cover the full suite of DO-160E tests as well as fulfilling Airbus, Boeing and Joint Strike Fighter requirements. With this investment, Conekt's test and validation facility will become the first in the UK to provide 'free-field' HIRF testing - the preferred method of most major aerospace manufacturers worldwide, to such high levels and across a broad frequency range.
Chris Tarling, business manager for Conekt's Engineering Services Division, commented: "The increased commonality of composite materials being used in the manufacture of aircraft has led to a significant reduction of the hull over recent years. The result is an increased risk of exposure to aircrafts' electronic devices from high field strengths external to the aircraft. Governments have reacted to these developments by introducing more stringent regulations. In the US, for example, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has dictated that all new aircraft be qualified to military standards. With the introduction of this new equipment, Conekt will have the ability to perform EMC tests to the highest standards, meeting test requirements for the foreseeable future."
Conekt's investment in its aerospace centre of excellence demonstrates the business's commitment to become the foremost aerospace validation centre in the UK. Since its inception in early 2005, developments of over 1million euro have been introduced to create a facility that offers the range and specifications required to keep aerospace companies competitive in a challenging industry.
Chris continued: "There was a noticeable gap in the UK market for a test and validation centre offering the full suite of high specification aerospace services. With significant investment and commitment, Conekt has created a facility capable of cost-effectively meeting DO-160E as well as Airbus and Joint Strike Fighter requirements, thus bridging the gap. In particular, the unique set-up and free field capability of the new equipment will guarantee customers more consistent results compared to alternative reverberation - mode stir or mode tune - techniques."
This investment complements the facilities already established at the Solihull site, including the recent addition of a 450k euro high intensity lightning strike test system. It provides Conekt with the broadest commercial aerospace EMC offering in the UK.
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