In the development of modern civil aircraft, the propulsion system is regarded as the “heart” of the entire platform. Its performance and reliability are directly tied to flight safety, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. To ensure that propulsion systems undergo rigorous verification before deployment, the Civil Aircraft Propulsion Test Solution has been designed to create a highly realistic ground-based environment for comprehensive testing and validation.

The system is composed of multiple integrated modules, including operator and control consoles, measurement and monitoring platforms, avionics models, aircraft state models, control switch modules, engine throttle consoles, ARINC664 and ARINC429 bus monitors, signal monitoring and fault injection subsystems, as well as data acquisition and processing platforms. By supporting both static tests and dynamic simulations, the solution enables engineers to evaluate system performance not only under ideal operating conditions but also under complex scenarios with simulated faults, thereby identifying design flaws and refining the system at early stages.

From a business and operational perspective, the system addresses several critical needs. It provides a reliable verification tool for propulsion system design, allowing potential risks to be detected and resolved during early development phases, thus minimizing risks and costs during later flight tests. It also supports rapid troubleshooting on the ground, significantly improving efficiency and reducing reliance on costly flight-based validation. Furthermore, the system’s robust data acquisition and post-processing functions enable in-depth analysis of test outcomes, helping engineers to optimize propulsion designs.

Technically, the solution is built upon an HRT-based hardware-in-the-loop simulation platform, ensuring high fidelity and scalability. It supports engine control system (FADEC) and avionics interface testing, propulsion control system functionality verification, auxiliary power unit (APU) system testing, as well as throttle console tests. By providing such a comprehensive range of capabilities, the system empowers developers to validate propulsion systems with confidence and precision.

Key features include real-time simulation of aircraft state and avionics systems, comprehensive monitoring of ARINC664 and ARINC429 buses, and advanced fault injection that allows controlled testing of abnormal scenarios to evaluate fault tolerance and emergency responses. Automated ICD upgrades and model generation enhance flexibility and reduce maintenance effort, while automated test planning and case management provide structured workflows, traceability, and improved efficiency.

The system has already been successfully deployed in the C9X9 civil aircraft program, where it played a vital role in propulsion and APU ground testing. Field results have demonstrated that the solution not only improved testing efficiency and defect discovery rates but also shortened development cycles and reduced overall program risk.

In summary, the Civil Aircraft Propulsion Test Solution combines advanced simulation, comprehensive functional coverage, and reliable data analytics to deliver a powerful platform for propulsion system validation. It stands as both a technological enabler and a cornerstone for optimizing design and ensuring safety in civil aviation propulsion development.