MTS-235A

F-35 Armament Test Set

  • Production and Depot Level Test Set for F-35 Lightning II Alternate Mission Equipment (AME)
  • Rugged and portable, designed for flightline and back-shop use testing launchers, pylons, bomb racks, and subassemblies if 3 level maintenance adopted
  • Full support for MIL-STD-1760 assemblies and other JSF interfaces
  • State-of-the-art PXI architecture
  • Full parametric test with optional diagnostics

Description

The MTS-235A is a state-of-the-art portable test set for armament systems used on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter including launchers, pylons, and racks. It combines the test capabilities of a proven Production and Depot test set to provide an Intermediate Level test set in a rugged, flightline and back-shop qualified compact case. The MTS-235A performs parametric functional tests on F-35 Alternate Mission Equipment (AME) including Launchers (iARL and eARL), Pylons (Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air) and associated subassemblies and adapters. The MTS-235A is a functional MIL-STD-1760 tester.

Features

The design of the MTS-235A is based on the proven and fielded MTS-206: Maverick Field Test Set which has been successfully deployed in 17 countries and the MTS-209 Common Armament Test Set.

The MTS-235A is controlled by a removable, integrated LCD touch screen display named the Remote Control & Display Unit (RCDU). The RCDU allows operation of the MTS-235A from distances of up to 25 feet using an optional cable. The modular PXI chassis is secured via five shock absorbers which allows the MTS-235A to meet stringent shock and vibration requirements. Built-in heaters for the PXI chassis and the RCDU allow the MTS-235A to operate in extremely low temperatures.

The menu-driven design of the MTS-235A simplifies operation, reduces training time, and eliminates the need for cumbersome tech manuals during operation. A menu-driven structure, developed using ATEasy, guides the user and creates an operational environment that virtually eliminates operator errors. Cable detection is automatic and prompts the user as to the proper cables needed per test.  

Future Growth

The robust and modular PXI-based design of the MTS-235A provides for flexibility and upgradeability to support emerging armament supporting additional smart munitions.

Maintenance and Support

The modular design and rugged construction of the MTS-235A ensures simplified maintenance and reduced logistics. A comprehensive Built-In-Test and system self-test provide complete end-to-end testing of all MTS-235A assemblies, subassemblies, cables, and adapters.

Available spare parts kits support organic maintenance troubleshooting and repair using the integrated self-test adapter that provides troubleshooting to the CCA level. The high MTBF and low MTTR ensure minimal downtime and continuous trouble-free use in the harshest operational environments.

Calibration

The MTS-235A employs an innovative calibration technique that simplifies maintenance and reduces down time. Multiple NIST-traceable high-precision references have been incorporated into the design of the MTS-235A.

The test set verifies its calibration status against these references every time the self-test is performed.  In the event the test set is out of calibration, the user is instructed to initiate an automated calibration procedure that calibrates the test set measurement and stimuli devices against the built-in references. The references are checked once every 2 years using standard PMEL equipment.