Description

Line Replaceable Units or LRUs are advanced assemblies used as sub-system interface for flight management, heads down displays, and other aircraft system functions. Microcontrollers or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) are incorporated into these devices to produce high-reliability information display and control functions.

LRU features may include:

• Micro-controller or FPGA avionics solutions to produce high-reliability information display and control functions;
• Embedded system design;
• Embedded software and firmware product platforms;
• Robust designs to meet harsh MIL environments;
• EMC/EMI compliant data bus interface designs;
• Fault tolerant power supply design;
• Built-in-test fault detection and fault reporting capabilities;
• Designed to customer requirements to meet size, weight and power constraints.

A basic LRU consists of:

• Acrylic or Aluminum body/frame,
• Paint, 
  • Basecoat (White)
  • Topcoat (Black, Gray, or Brown)
• Circuit Card Assembly with connector,
• Filters
• LEDs
• Resistors
• Microcontroller / FPGA (integrated into device)
• Common Hardware (screws, inserts, grommets, gaskets), 
• Clearcoat
• Enclosure
• Mount plate
• Connector plate
• Assortment of common components specific to each CPA 
  • Knobs
  • Toggles
  • Encoders
  • Potentiometers
  • Rotary switches
  • Push/pull switches
  • Switchguards
  • Fingerguards
  • Pushbutton Assemblies (PBAs)
  • Annunciators
  • Light Indicators
• Standoffs, 
• Enclosures, 
• Wire

Applications

• Flightworthy and Simulated (trainers) Aircrafts
  • Flightworthy
    • Includes all airplanes, helicopters, or any other machines (both military and commercial) that are capable of flight.
    • Hardware developed in accordance with RTCA (Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics) DO 254
    • Software developed in accordance with RTCA DO 178
    • ESS testing, EMI/EMC testing and qualification of other environmental requirements per customer specifications, DO-160 and other MIL STDs.
  • Non-Flightworthy
    • Platforms or Simulators that simulate a representation of an airplane, helicopter, or any other machine capable of flight for the purpose of training or presentation.
• LRUs are intended to replace existing units that either need replacing (normal wear and tear) or require upgrades due to technology advancements or cockpit integration.
• The only things that separate the two are:
  • Customer specifications/requirements that enable/deem the product flightworthy
  • All flightworthy LRU components require sufficient testing and must meet requirements of certain Specifications and Standards 

• Commercial and Military Aircraft
  • Commercial Aircraft
    • Common lighting applications
    • LRUs are built and developed to IDAL (Item Development Assurance Level) Level B or C and commercial standards in the aerospace industry
    • Used in both rotary and fixed wing environments
    • Commercial grade components can be procured and utilized for this type of LRU
  • Military Aircraft
    • Night Vision Goggle (NVG) filters commonly utilized for military applications
    • LRUs are built and developed to IDAL (Item Development Assurance Level) Level B or C and military standards in the aerospace industry
    • Military grade components can be procured and utilized for this type of LRU
    • Used in both rotary and fixed wing environments
  • Simulators
    • All lighting applications available
    • Loosened requirements for component procurement and specifications 
    • Usable for simulation purposes only – not flightworthy