RTCA/DO-160 Section 5: Temperature Variation Testing

RTCA/DO-160 Section 5 determines performance characteristics of the equipment during temperature variations between high and low operating temperature extremes. Note: The test is not intended to verify the behavior of the equipment in wet or icing conditions. In conducting this test, the test chamber may incorporate the capability of controlling or altering humidity to the extent that condensation is minimized or does not occur. The rates applicable to the temperature variation procedures defined in Subsection 5.3 are as follows:

• Category A – For equipment external to the aircraft or internal to the aircraft: 10 degrees Celsius minimum per minute.
• Category B – For equipment in a non-temperature-controlled or partially temperature controlled internal section of the aircraft: 5 degrees Celsius minimum per minute.
• Category C – For equipment in a temperature-controlled internal section of the aircraft: 2 degrees Celsius minimum per minute.
• Category S1 – For equipment external to the aircraft or internal to the aircraft: known rate of change greater than 10 degrees Celsius per minute. The rate of change shall be noted in the Qualification Form.
• Category S2 – For equipment external to the aircraft or internal to the aircraft: unknown rate of change greater than 10 degrees Celsius per minute.