In-flight performance of a multi-mode software defined radio architecture for universal avionic radios

Recently, a lot of effort has gone into responding to the increasing demands of a new generation of RF avionics, which must not only meet the Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) constraints but also be compatible with the current and future standards. Among the solutions in studied, the implementation of Software Defined Radio (SDR) into avionics has been proven as one of the most promising. Previously presented as the Multi-Mode Software Defined Avionics Radio (MM-SDAR) architecture, the SDR avionics prototype of the AVIO-505 project at LASSENA has shown its potentials in laboratory tests using certified equipment. Results obtained in controlled environments experimentation show that the MM-SDAR can meet the Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) for the Signal-Of-Interest (SOI), naming just a few, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B In/Out), Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) and Transponder Mode S (TMS). Over the past three years, flight tests have been completed in order to evaluate the potential and performances of the MM-SDAR, with promising results. This article aims mainly to examine the details of selected flight tests (scenarios, installation, configuration, etc.), and most importantly, the associated performance analysis. On the one hand, the results described herein confirm the operation of the MM-SDAR in flight condition, which is crucial for avionics architecture. On the other hand, they illustrate the benefits as compared to the corresponding avionics system, and the current limits of the MM-SDAR, which will become valuable data for further future development.