An iron bird is a ground-based test device used for prototyping and integrating aircraft systems during the
development of new aircraft designs.
Aircraft systems are installed into the iron bird so their functions can be tested both individually and in correlation with other systems.
Overview
Iron birds are used for
system integration,
reliability testing
Reliability engineering is a sub-discipline of systems engineering that emphasizes the ability of equipment to function without failure. Reliability describes the ability of a system or component to function under stated conditions for a specifi ...
, and
shakedown testing of aircraft systems such as
landing gear
Landing gear is the undercarriage of an aircraft or spacecraft that is used for takeoff or landing. For aircraft it is generally needed for both. It was also formerly called ''alighting gear'' by some manufacturers, such as the Glenn L. Martin ...
,
avionics
Avionics (a blend of ''aviation'' and ''electronics'') are the electronic systems used on aircraft. Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems, and the hundreds of systems that are fit ...
, hydraulics, and
flight controls. The components may be arranged roughly in the same layout as they will be in the final aircraft design, but left accessible for ease of maintenance.
Some iron birds also include a flight deck so that testing can include pilot inputs and simulated flight profiles, and can be used in pre-flight pilot training.
Others are used for testing of propulsion systems.
Iron birds can also be used after aircraft certification for troubleshooting ongoing issues and for testing of proposed modifications prior to fleet integration.
See also
*
Engine test stand
An engine test stand is a facility used to develop, characterize and test engines. The facility, often offered as a product to automotive OEMs, allows engine operation in different operating regimes and offers measurement of several physical variab ...
*
Testbed aircraft
A testbed aircraft is an aeroplane, helicopter or other kind of aircraft intended for flight research or testing the aircraft concepts or on-board equipment. These could be specially designed or modified from serial production aircraft.
Use of te ...
References
Aerospace technologies
Aircraft industry
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