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DO-160-Section-24-Icing

RTCA DO-160 Section 24.0 Icing Test

The RTCA DO-160 Section 24 icing test determines the performance of equipment under certain conditions. The icing testing applies to equipment that is exposed to icing conditions. These icing conditions are typically encountered in situations of rapid change. These changes can include temperature, altitude and humidity. Most equipment requiring icing testing is mounted on external surfaces. However, equipment in non-temperature-controlled areas of the aircraft are also included.

When working with an RTCA/DO-160 test lab, the objective is to evaluate the effects of various icing conditions. These conditions can adversely impact the performance or aircraft equipment. There are three primary effects. The first is the effects of external ice or frost adhering to the equipment. The second is the effects of ice caused by freezing of water condensation or by re-freezing of melted ice. The third possible effect is from ice build-up caused by direct water exposure.

The RTCA-DO-160G icing test standard separates equipment into different categories. The category is determined by the equipment location. This can either be in or on the aircraft. Another factor in determining the category is the type of icing conditions expected. Ultimately, the equipment manufacturer must determine the most appropriate category based on the end application and use of the equipment.

DO 160G icing tests are determined by the following equipment categories.

  • Category A
    • This DO-160-G icing test is applicable to equipment mounted externally or in non-temperature-controlled areas of the aircraft. These areas are prevalent for ice or frost formation due to condensation. The condensation occurs when the equipment is cold soaked to extremely low temperatures and subsequently encounters humid air at above freezing temperatures.
  • Category B
    • This DO 160G icing test is applicable to equipment with moving parts. Such movement could be prevented or impeded by ice formation. Another event is where forces resulting from the expansion of ice could damage structural or functional components. The ice formed in or on the equipment results from condensation, freezing, melting and/or re-freezing. This ice may progressively accumulate water or ice inside non-sealed enclosures.
  • Category C
    • This RTCA-DO-160G ice testing is applicable to items mounted externally or in non-temperature-controlled areas. These areas often have accumulating free water. This water could subsequently freeze on the cold surfaces of the equipment. This DO160G ice test is intended to examine the effects of a representative thickness of ice on the performance of the equipment. It also determines the maximum thickness that can be permitted before de-icing action is necessary. The required thickness and distribution of ice and any requirement for progressive build-up of ice shall be defined by the applicable equipment standards.

Keystone Compliance is one of the leading climatics test labs in the country. With multiple temperature chambers and thermal shock machines, we offer short lead times on scheduling. Our climatics scope includes icing testing, temperature testing, humidity testing, thermal shock testing, blowing rain testing and solar radiation testing. Other testing areas include vibration, shock, ingress protection and package. We also offer EMC, shielding effectiveness and indirect lightning testing.

Our engineers provide communication throughout the entire test program. If challenges arise during the testing, our engineers will provide engineering guidance and problem resolution. Our icing test lab is 17025 accredited to RTCADO-160 testing. In addition to providing RTCA-DO-160G testing, Keystone is accredited to all previous versions of this military test standard as well.

Our ice test lab can accommodate small and large items. Please contact us to see firsthand why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to be their RTCA DO-160 test lab.

Looking for other testing to other sections of RTCA DO-160 testing? Click on the links below:

Modifications from one Version of RTCA DO-160 to the Next:

Changes from DO-160C Icing Testing to DO-160D Icing Testing

Editorial and clarifications changes only.

Changes from DO-160D Icing Testing to DO-160E Icing Testing

No changes were made.

Changes from DO-160E Icing Testing to DO-160F Icing Testing

No major changes were made. Clarification of type of ice was incorporated.

Changes from DO-160F Icing Testing to DO-160G Icing Testing

No changes were made.