Test Harness Replacement Using Cybersecure Wireless Links

Aircraft maintenance and testing involves the use of numerous testing systems, each typically including specialized tester cabling to connect an avionics system on the aircraft with a dedicated tester device. These test cables are often expensive, bulky, and fault-prone, contributing to significant sustainment costs and productivity issues. By potentially replacing these cables with secure wireless link pairs, tremendous cost and usability improvements are possible. Furthermore, by effectively incorporating digital "man-in-the-middle" hardware, powerful new features such as data recording, playback simulations, and testing automation can potential be added to any existing test system. Future test workstations could also potentially interface directly with the wireless link components, eliminating the need for any custom test hardware whatsoever, further reducing sustainment costs for maintenance activities. We have developed and commercially launched a wireless control platform which enables secure monitoring and control for a large number of applications. The platform is designed with flexibility and modularity in mind, allowing it to be used in applications ranging from long-range monitoring applications to high-speed control systems.