Aircraft RF & Antenna Testing Guide
This guide explains the measurements used to check aircraft antenna systems and how to choose a cable and antenna analyzer, citing Bird and Anritsu documentation.
Why test the RF path
- Faults in cables, connectors and antennas are found faster at the source than by swapping radios [1].
- Bird documents an airline case where repeated radio replacements did not fix static at altitude; the cause was a cracked antenna [2].
The measurements
- Return loss and VSWR show how well the antenna system is matched [1].
- Cable loss measures insertion loss over a frequency range [1].
- Distance-to-fault plots reflections along the line; a baseline signature helps later comparisons [3].
- FDR can test a bundle at the entry connector and detect moisture and dielectric ageing [4].
Choosing an analyzer
- Frequency coverage for the systems you maintain; FlightHawk covers 1 MHz–6 GHz and Site Master MS2085A 5 kHz–6 GHz [5][6].
- Aviation adapters and cable libraries [2][7].
- Pass/fail software to support less experienced crews [1].
Limits and procedures
- Use the limits in the aircraft maintenance manual; analyzer manuals are general guides only [5].
Products referenced in this guide
BirdAircraft RF & Antenna TestingRFQ
Bird FlightHawk FH-AV-KIT Aviation RF Cable & Antenna Analyzer Kit
Model: FH-AV-KIT
- VSWR, return loss, cable loss and DTF
- Automated VSWR testing with pass/fail
- RF power with Bird power sensor
- Adapters for N, BNC, TNC, UHF, SMA and ARINC 600 coax
Status: Request a quote · calibration certificate on request
Related category
Aircraft RF & Antenna Testing · All aviation guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I test without removing the antenna?
Yes, measurements are taken from the feeder connector; follow the AMM for access and limits [5].
Is VSWR the same as return loss?
They express the same reflection in different units; analyzers display either [1].
This guide is general information. It does not replace the aircraft maintenance manual, the operator's approved procedures or the rules of the competent civil aviation authority.
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Sources
- Bird FlightHawk FH-AV-KIT data sheet (PDF)
- Bird SiteHawk aviation case study (PDF)
- Anritsu – Distance-to-fault measurements for cable and antenna analyzers
- Anritsu – Avionics and aircraft manufacturing
- Bird FlightHawk RF test set manual 920-7003A004 (PDF)
- Anritsu Site Master MS2085A / MS2089A
- Bird FlightHawk aviation antenna analyzer kit