Airborne equipment testing method and system based on unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

According to the unmanned aerial vehicle-based airborne equipment test method and system provided by the invention, based on the test system composed of the ground platform, the carrying platform of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the data recorder and the tested airborne equipment, the unmanned aerial vehicle flies in a preset scene, and the unmanned aerial vehicle can be tested in a real environment with various scenes. The low-cost, accurate, flexible and safe test can be carried out on the tested airborne equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of equipment testing technology, and in particular to a method and system for testing airborne equipment based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of avionics technology, the complexity and integration of airborne equipment continue to increase. For miniaturized airborne equipment such as sensors, navigation modules, and mission payloads (hereinafter referred to as "test mini-systems"), the testing and verification phase during their research and development faces significant technical challenges.

[0003] I. Technical Challenges in Testing Small System Integration and Verification

[0004] In the traditional airborne equipment development process, the integration verification of small systems mainly relies on the following two methods:

[0005] Laboratory static testing: The operating environment of the equipment is simulated using ground test benches. However, the laboratory environment cannot replicate the spatial layout, electromagnetic environment, and physical interface configuration in actual flight. As a result, integration problems such as interface compatibility and spatial layout interference are only exposed after entering the flight test phase, causing a surge in R&D costs and delays in the development cycle.

[0006] Full-aircraft flight testing: This involves directly installing the equipment onto a full-scale test aircraft or a type-approved aircraft for flight testing. While this method provides a realistic environment, it suffers from drawbacks such as high platform resource consumption, high flight testing costs, and long scheduling cycles. For small system-level equipment in the iterative development stage, full-aircraft flight testing is severely lacking in economic efficiency and flexibility.

[0007] II. Limitations of System Dynamic Performance Testing Methods

[0008] For airborne equipment (such as atmospheric data sensors, inertial measurement units, and mission payload stabilization platforms) that require physical stimuli like real airflow, vibration, and attitude changes to activate their dynamic characteristics, the core challenge in performance testing lies in the coupled acquisition and synchronous analysis of dynamic environmental data: existing testing methods have significant shortcomings in data acquisition. In traditional flight tests, the operating data of airborne equipment (such as raw sampled values ​​and internal state variables) and flight environment parameters (such as position, attitude, and weather conditions) are usually recorded by independent data links, resulting in low time-stamp synchronization accuracy and a lack of high-sampling-rate local offline storage capabilities. This makes it difficult to spatiotemporally align the dynamic response of the tested equipment with the precise flight environment state during post-flight analysis, hindering the accurate extraction of the equipment's dynamic performance indicators (such as dynamic accuracy, response latency, and environmental adaptability).

[0009] In terms of test scenario construction, existing technologies struggle to support low-cost, repeatable testing of specific dynamic scenarios. For example, to verify the dynamic response of sensors at specific altitudes and maneuvers, traditional methods require coordinating all aircraft flight test resources, making it difficult to achieve parameterized scenario reproduction and boundary condition exploration.

[0010] In summary, there is an urgent need for a low-cost, universal, and highly data-coupled dynamic testing solution specifically designed for airborne small systems, which can improve the flexibility of integrated verification and the systematic nature of data acquisition while ensuring the authenticity of the test. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention provides a method and system for testing airborne equipment based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The testing system, consisting of a ground platform, a UAV mounting platform, a data logger, and the airborne equipment under test, can perform low-cost, accurate, flexible, and safe testing of the airborne equipment under test in various real-world environments by flying the UAV in preset scenarios.

[0012] This specification provides an airborne equipment testing system based on a drone, including: a ground platform, a drone, an airborne equipment under test, and a data logger; the drone is equipped with a mounting platform, and the mounting platform is located in the target payload area of ​​the drone, wherein the airborne equipment under test is an airborne equipment used on an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft;

[0013] The mounting platform includes a mounting bracket, a power module, and environmental sensors. The airborne equipment under test is fixed to the mounting platform via the mounting bracket, and the data logger is mounted on the mounting platform.

[0014] The power module is connected to the airborne device under test, the data logger, and the environmental sensor, respectively; the data logger is connected to the airborne device under test and the environmental sensor, respectively.

[0015] After receiving the test command from the ground platform, the UAV executes the flight mission according to the preset flight scenario;

[0016] During the flight of the UAV, the data logger acquires data from the airborne equipment under test in its working state, as well as environmental parameters collected by the environmental sensors, which are then analyzed by the ground platform to output the test results of the airborne equipment under test.

[0017] Optionally, the flight scenario includes at least one of the following: flight path, flight altitude, flight speed, uniform flight, accelerating flight, climbing, diving, and hovering.

[0018] Optionally, the data logger acquires data from the airborne equipment under test during its operating state and environmental parameters collected by the environmental sensors, encodes them, and stores them in the form of a TransFlash card, i.e., a flash memory card.

[0019] Optionally, the ground platform preprocesses the data and environmental parameters obtained from the data logger to obtain a test dataset;

[0020] Based on the test dataset, data analysis is performed, including at least one of the following: data polarity checking, time alignment, and fault / anomaly analysis and localization.

[0021] Optionally, based on the test dataset, the ground platform performs data analysis and outputs test results based on preset usability evaluation indicators; wherein, the usability evaluation indicators include at least one of the following: operational stability compliance rate, data output accuracy rate, and environmental adaptability coverage; the test results include at least one of the following: test plan, test data, analysis process, evaluation results, and improvement suggestions.

[0022] Optionally, the airborne device under test is fixed to the mounting platform via the mounting bracket, and the physical connection and signal debugging of the airborne device under test and the signal adapter module are completed; wherein, the signal adapter module is located in the data logger, and the mounting bracket is an adjustable structure for adapting to airborne devices of different sizes.

[0023] Optionally, the adjustable structure includes, but is not limited to: a groove-guide rail type adjustment structure, a thread-screw fine-tuning structure, a modular combination type adjustment structure, a hinge-folding arm type adjustment structure, a buckle-pin hole type adjustment structure, an elastic clamp-hoop type adjustment structure, and a multi-axis fine-tuning platform.

[0024] Optionally, the data logger is connected to the environmental sensor to establish a communication connection, and the acquisition parameters of the data logger are adjusted; wherein, the acquisition parameters include at least one of the following: discrete acquisition interval, data storage format, and trigger acquisition conditions.

[0025] Optionally, the environmental sensor is used to collect environmental parameters during the test; wherein the environmental parameters include at least one of the following: UAV flight altitude, UAV flight speed, UAV flight position, atmospheric temperature, atmospheric humidity, atmospheric pressure, and airflow speed of the surrounding air during UAV flight; wherein the UAV flight position is used to confirm the flight trajectory.

[0026] This specification also provides a method for testing airborne equipment based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), comprising: after receiving a test command from a ground platform, the UAV executes a flight mission according to a preset flight scenario, wherein the flight scenario includes at least one of the following: flight path, flight altitude, flight speed, uniform flight, accelerated flight, climb, dive, and hover;

[0027] During flight, the UAV acquires data on the working state of the onboard equipment connected to the mounting bracket on the UAV's mounting platform via a data logger located on the UAV's mounting platform, as well as environmental parameters collected by environmental sensors located on the UAV's mounting platform; wherein, the onboard equipment under test is onboard equipment used on an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the UAV is equipped with a mounting platform, and the mounting platform is located in the target payload area of ​​the UAV;

[0028] The ground platform analyzes the data and environmental parameters obtained from the data logger and outputs the test results of the airborne equipment under test.

[0029] This invention provides a method and system for testing airborne equipment based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The testing system, consisting of a ground platform, a UAV mounting platform, a data logger, and the airborne equipment under test, can perform low-cost, accurate, flexible, and safe testing of the airborne equipment under test in various real-world environments by flying the UAV in preset scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an airborne equipment testing system based on a drone, provided in Embodiment 1 of this specification.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the test task execution process of the airborne equipment based on the UAV provided in Embodiment 2 of this specification;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a test method for airborne equipment based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provided in Embodiment 3 of this specification. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention and enable those skilled in the art to implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the invention defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0035] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 3 Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described more fully here. However, exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limiting the invention to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided to make the invention more comprehensive and complete, and to facilitate a full communication of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the figures denote the same or similar elements, components, or parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them are omitted.

[0036] Subject to the technical concept of this invention, the features, structures, characteristics or other details described in a particular embodiment may be combined in one or more other embodiments in a suitable manner.

[0037] In the description of specific embodiments, the features, structures, characteristics, or other details described in this invention are intended to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the embodiments. However, it is not excluded that those skilled in the art can practice the technical solutions of this invention without one or more of the specific features, structures, characteristics, or other details.

[0038] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and do not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily have to be performed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be broken down, while others can be combined or partially combined; therefore, the actual execution order may change depending on the specific circumstances.

[0039] The block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0040] The terms “and / or” or “and / or” include all combinations of any one or more of the listed items.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an airborne equipment testing system based on a drone, as provided in Embodiment 1 of this specification.

[0042] This embodiment provides a testing system suitable for airborne equipment under test mounted on another aircraft (UAV). The testing system consists of a ground platform, a UAV (e.g., a medium to large quadcopter UAV) mounting platform, the airborne equipment under test, and a data logger. It adopts a combination of discrete data acquisition and offline analysis (of course, it can also adopt a combination of online transmission and offline analysis, or online transmission and online analysis) to accurately, efficiently, and safely assess the availability of the airborne equipment under test.

[0043] "Airborne equipment under test" refers to the airborne equipment used on an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

[0044] eVTOL is an abbreviation for Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing.

[0045] Specifically:

[0046] Electric: Uses an electric drive system, usually powered by batteries.

[0047] Vertical: Capable of vertical takeoff and landing, without the need for a traditional airport runway.

[0048] Take-Off and Landing — Takeoff and landing.

[0049] eVTOL is an emerging form of air transportation that combines the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of helicopters with the flight efficiency of fixed-wing aircraft, while also featuring zero emissions, low noise, and low operating costs. The airborne equipment under test (such as sensors, communication devices, and navigation systems) is installed on the eVTOL aircraft. This type of equipment typically needs to meet eVTOL-specific requirements, such as lightweight design, vibration resistance, and electromagnetic compatibility.

[0050] For example:

[0051] 1. Avionics and flight-related equipment: pitot tube, barometric altimeter (new model to be verified); small inertial navigation system (IMU) or integrated navigation system; flight control computer prototype; new avionics bus interface equipment (such as CAN, 1553B bus terminal).

[0052] 2. Communication and data link equipment: small data radios / data link terminals; satellite communication modules; new airborne antenna systems.

[0053] 3. Mission payload equipment: small optoelectronic pod; aerial photography camera; multispectral / hyperspectral sensor; small synthetic aperture radar (SAR).

[0054] 4. Onboard processing and storage devices: Embedded processing board; Onboard data logger (new model to be verified); Power management module.

[0055] The airborne equipment under test is the airborne equipment used on the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Its output data will be compared and analyzed with the benchmark data from environmental sensors.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a ground platform and a drone mounting platform, wherein the mounting platform is located in the target payload area of ​​the drone.

[0057] The UAV mounting platform includes a mounting bracket, a power module, and an environmental sensor. The airborne device under test is fixed to the mounting platform via the mounting bracket, and the data logger is mounted on the mounting platform. The power module is connected to the airborne device under test, the data logger, and the environmental sensor. The data logger is connected to the airborne device under test and the environmental sensor.

[0058] After receiving the test command from the ground platform, the UAV executes the flight mission according to the preset flight scenario;

[0059] During the flight of the UAV, the data logger acquires data from the airborne equipment under test in its working state, as well as environmental parameters collected by the environmental sensors, which are then analyzed by the ground platform to output the test results of the airborne equipment under test.

[0060] This embodiment is based on a test system consisting of a ground platform, a drone mounting platform, a data logger, and the airborne equipment under test. By flying the drone in preset scenarios, the airborne equipment under test can be tested in a variety of real-world environments at low cost, accurately, and safely.

[0061] Optionally, the flight scenario includes at least one of the following: flight path, flight altitude, flight speed, uniform flight, accelerating flight, climbing, diving, and hovering.

[0062] Specifically: Based on the test requirements, the flight path, flight altitude, flight speed and test conditions of the UAV are planned, such as uniform flight, acceleration flight, climb, dive, and hovering, to ensure that the flight path covers the preset usage scenarios of the airborne equipment under test.

[0063] Optionally, the data logger acquires data from the airborne equipment under test during its operating state and environmental parameters collected by the environmental sensors, encodes them, and stores them in the form of a TransFlash card, i.e., a flash memory card.

[0064] Specifically: The drone is controlled to fly along a planned path. During flight, the data logger synchronously collects the operating data of the onboard equipment under test and the real-time environmental parameters collected by the environmental sensing module at preset discrete acquisition intervals. Relevant data and parameters include time counts, data content, data transmission rate, fault records, flight altitude, and flight speed.

[0065] The data logger encodes and stores the collected discrete data in real time, using a local storage TF card to ensure data integrity.

[0066] Optionally, the ground platform preprocesses the data or environmental parameters obtained from the data logger to obtain a test dataset;

[0067] Based on the test dataset, data analysis is performed, including at least one of the following: data polarity checking, time alignment, and fault / anomaly analysis and localization.

[0068] Specifically:

[0069] After the UAV completes its flight test, it retrieves the data logger and imports the stored discrete data to the ground via a data transmission interface. The ground analysis terminal on the ground platform preprocesses the imported data, such as converting data formats, to obtain an analyzable test dataset. Based on the preprocessed test dataset, offline analysis is performed, including data polarity checks, time alignment, fault and anomaly analysis and location.

[0070] The explanation of "data polarity check" is as follows:

[0071] "Data polarity check" mainly refers to verifying whether the directionality and positive / negative logic of the output data from the sensor or the airborne equipment under test are consistent with expectations.

[0072] Specifically, this inspection includes:

[0073] 1. Verification of physical installation orientation

[0074] Check whether the physical installation orientation of the device under test (such as inertial sensor, accelerometer, airspeed tube, etc.) is correct.

[0075] For example, whether the X / Y / Z axes of the triaxial accelerometer are consistent with the body coordinate system; whether the rotation direction of the gyroscope is defined correctly; and whether the sensor is installed in the wrong direction (e.g., upside down or front to back).

[0076] 2. Signal level polarity verification

[0077] Check whether the positive and negative logic of the electrical interface is correct. For example, whether the A / B lines of differential signals (such as RS-422 / 485) are reversed; whether the high / low level indication logic of switch signals is as expected (such as "high level = normal" vs "high level = fault"); and whether the positive and negative voltage range of analog signals is correct.

[0078] 3. Data logic polarity verification

[0079] Check the logical consistency of the data frame definition, such as whether the 0 / 1 definition of the flag bits in the data protocol is correct; whether the numerical increment corresponds to a positive change in the physical quantity (e.g., an increase in height = an increase in data value).

[0080] Technical significance:

[0081] This is the most basic correctness check, performed before subsequent time alignment and fault analysis. An incorrect polarity can lead to: the data itself "appearing normal," resulting in incorrect conclusions from all subsequent data analysis; and misjudgments in the fault model.

[0082] Simply put, it means ensuring that "positive is positive and negative is negative," rather than being connected backwards, installed backwards, or defined backwards.

[0083] The explanation of "time alignment" is as follows:

[0084] "Time alignment" refers to matching and synchronizing data from different data sources according to a unified time base to ensure that each data point corresponds precisely in time.

[0085] Detailed explanation of the meaning:

[0086] Because the test system contains multiple asynchronously operating modules: a data logger (collecting data at preset intervals); the onboard equipment under test (outputting working data); and environmental sensors (collecting altitude, speed, temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc.), the clock references, sampling frequencies, and transmission delays of these modules may differ, resulting in data collected at the same actual moment potentially having different timestamp deviations.

[0087] The objective of time alignment:

[0088] 1. Eliminate clock skew

[0089] The hardware clocks of each module have initial offsets and drifts, and it is necessary to use a certain reference (such as the system time of the data logger) to correct the timestamps of other modules.

[0090] 2. Standardize sampling frequency

[0091] The device under test may output data 10 times per second, and the environmental sensor may sample 5 times per second. Alignment is to interpolate or extract them onto a unified time axis, such as one data point every 0.1 seconds.

[0092] 3. Matching event causes and effects

[0093] Ensure that the analysis can accurately determine how environmental parameters (such as airflow velocity) affect the operating status of the device under test (such as data transmission rate) at the same time.

[0094] For example:

[0095] If time alignment is not performed, the fault record of the tested equipment at 10:00:01 may be incorrectly mapped to the air pressure data at 10:00:05, leading to misjudgment of the cause of the fault during analysis.

[0096] After alignment, the following can be achieved: the data of the device under test at 10:00:01 + the flight altitude / speed / temperature and humidity at 10:00:01 → accurate correlation analysis. This is a standard preprocessing step in multi-sensor data fusion analysis, providing a reliable dataset with time consistency for subsequent fault and anomaly localization and availability assessment.

[0097] Optionally, based on the test dataset, the ground platform performs data analysis and outputs test results based on preset usability evaluation indicators; wherein, the usability evaluation indicators include at least one of the following: operational stability compliance rate, data output accuracy rate, and environmental adaptability coverage; the test results include at least one of the following: test plan, test data, analysis process, evaluation results, and improvement suggestions.

[0098] Specifically:

[0099] Based on the offline analysis results and combined with preset usability assessment indicators, such as operational stability compliance rate, data output accuracy, and environmental adaptability coverage, the functionality and usability of the tested airborne equipment are analyzed; a test report is generated that includes the test plan, test data, analysis process, evaluation results, and improvement suggestions.

[0100] Optionally, the airborne device under test is fixed to the mounting platform via the mounting bracket, and the physical connection and signal debugging of the airborne device under test and the signal adapter module are completed; wherein, the signal adapter module is located in the data logger, and the mounting bracket is an adjustable structure for adapting to airborne devices of different sizes.

[0101] Optionally, the data logger is connected to the environmental sensor to establish a communication connection, and the acquisition parameters of the data logger are adjusted; wherein, the acquisition parameters include at least one of the following: discrete acquisition interval, data storage format, and trigger acquisition conditions.

[0102] Optionally, the environmental sensor is used to collect environmental parameters during the test; wherein the environmental parameters include at least one of the following: UAV flight altitude, UAV flight speed, UAV flight position, atmospheric temperature, atmospheric humidity, atmospheric pressure, and airflow speed of the surrounding air during UAV flight; wherein the UAV flight position is used to confirm the flight trajectory.

[0103] Specifically:

[0104] The mounting platform is fixedly installed in the designated payload area of ​​a medium-to-large quadcopter unmanned platform. The mounting platform includes a mounting bracket, a power module, and environmental sensors. The mounting bracket adopts an adjustable structure to adapt to airborne equipment of different sizes. The power module provides stable power supply to the airborne equipment under test, the data logger, and the environmental sensors. The environmental sensors are used to collect real-time environmental parameters during the test (including UAV flight altitude, UAV flight speed, atmospheric temperature, atmospheric humidity, atmospheric pressure, and airflow speed of the surrounding air during UAV flight).

[0105] The airborne equipment under test is fixed to the mounting platform using a mounting bracket. The physical connection between the airborne equipment under test and the signal adapter module is completed, and the signal is debugged to ensure that the equipment under test can output working data normally. A communication connection is established between the data logger and the environmental sensing module, and the acquisition parameters of the data logger are debugged, including discrete acquisition interval, data storage format, trigger acquisition conditions, etc.

[0106] The testing system was debugged as a whole. Test commands were issued through the ground control console of the medium and large unmanned platform to verify the stability of the collaborative work between the airborne equipment under test, the data logger, and the platform, and to ensure that the data acquisition, transmission and preliminary storage functions were normal.

[0107] Regarding the location of the "signal adaptation module", there are two possibilities:

[0108] Scenario 1: It is a component of the data logger.

[0109] The signal adapter module is the front-end interface unit of the data logger, responsible for converting heterogeneous signals (such as RS422, CAN, analog signals, etc.) from different tested airborne devices into a standard format that the data logger can recognize.

[0110] Scenario 2: Components mounted on the platform

[0111] Regardless of physical location, the core functions of the signal adapter module are: interface standardization: adapting to the electrical interfaces and communication protocols of different airborne devices under test; signal conditioning: voltage conversion, isolation, filtering, etc.; plug and play: enabling the test system to flexibly adapt to different types of airborne devices under test.

[0112] Optionally, the adjustable structure includes, but is not limited to: a groove-guide rail type adjustment structure, a thread-screw fine-tuning structure, a modular combination type adjustment structure, a hinge-folding arm type adjustment structure, a buckle-pin hole type adjustment structure, an elastic clamp-hoop type adjustment structure, and a multi-axis fine-tuning platform.

[0113] Specifically:

[0114] In drone payload adaptation applications, the "adjustable structure" of the mounting bracket typically includes the following types of designs:

[0115] 1. Slide rail-guide rail type adjustment

[0116] Structure: An elongated slot or linear guide rail is made on the support base, and the fixed position is adjusted by sliding within the slot using bolts.

[0117] Advantages: Continuous adjustment range, simple operation, and reliable locking.

[0118] Applications: Suitable for size adaptation in the length / width direction, commonly found in drone gimbal mounting systems.

[0119] 2. Threaded screw fine adjustment

[0120] Structure: It adopts a precision screw, knob or lead screw mechanism to achieve minute displacement adjustment.

[0121] Advantages: High adjustment precision, self-locking, suitable for precise alignment.

[0122] Application: Used for fine adjustment of equipment level, angle, or spacing.

[0123] 3. Modular combination

[0124] Structure: It adopts aluminum profiles with standard hole spacing (such as 4040 profile), perforated plates or flanges, and can be matched by changing different modules.

[0125] Advantages: High degree of standardization, strong scalability, and rapid reconfiguration.

[0126] Applications: Adapts to devices with different interfaces, suitable for frequent changes in test objects during the R&D phase.

[0127] 4. Hinge - Folding Arm Type

[0128] Structure: Two-dimensional / three-dimensional adjustment of angle and position is achieved through rotatable articulated arms and hinge supports.

[0129] Advantages: High degree of adjustability, foldable for storage.

[0130] Applications: Adjusting equipment pitch and yaw angles, optimizing aerodynamic shape, or sensor field of view.

[0131] 5. Clip-on pin type (adjustable gear position)

[0132] Structure: The bracket has a series of pre-set positioning holes or slots, and the fixed position can be quickly switched by a pin.

[0133] Advantages: Fast adjustment speed, reliable positioning, and no tools required.

[0134] Application: Enables rapid switching of discrete gears, suitable for quick on-site model changes.

[0135] 6. Elastic clamping - gripping type

[0136] Structure: It uses spring-loaded grippers, elastic clamps or U-bolts to hold equipment of different diameters.

[0137] Advantages: Strong adaptability and good shock absorption.

[0138] Applications: Fixing cylindrical or irregularly shaped devices (such as antennas and sensors).

[0139] 7. Multi-axis fine-tuning platform

[0140] Structure: Integrated XYZ three-axis slide or universal joint to achieve six degrees of freedom adjustment in space.

[0141] Advantages: Most comprehensive adjustment dimensions and highest alignment accuracy.

[0142] Applications: High-precision sensor installation or equipment center of gravity balancing.

[0143] In addition, the drone has a payload capacity of no less than 10kg and a flight time of no less than 1 hour to ensure that it can carry the test system to complete long-term and wide-range test tasks; the data logger adopts an industrial-grade high-reliability storage chip with a storage capacity of no less than 128GB, supports vibration and shock resistant design, and adapts to the complex mechanical environment during flight.

[0144] During offline analysis, data visualization can be performed using data analysis software such as MATLAB to generate equipment operating status curves, environmental parameter influence trend charts, etc., to present the analysis results intuitively.

[0145] This embodiment is based on a test system consisting of a ground platform, a drone mounting platform, a data logger, and the airborne equipment under test. By flying the drone in preset scenarios, the airborne equipment under test can be tested in a variety of real-world environments at low cost, accurately, and safely.

[0146] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the test task execution process of the UAV-based airborne equipment provided in Embodiment 2 of this specification, including the following steps:

[0147] Step 201: Test task formulation;

[0148] Step 202: Determine if the drone status is normal: If not, end; if normal, determine if the testing tool is functioning properly. If normal, proceed to step 203; if not, end.

[0149] Specifically:

[0150] "Test tools" refers to test system components other than the UAV platform and the airborne equipment under test, and are mainly used to ensure the reliability of the data acquisition function itself.

[0151] Specifically, it includes:

[0152] 1. Data logger

[0153] Can the device under test collect its operating data normally?

[0154] Can the parameters of the environmental sensors be collected normally?

[0155] Is the storage function working properly?

[0156] 2. Environmental sensors

[0157] Are the readings from sensors such as altitude, speed, temperature, humidity, and air pressure accurate?

[0158] Is the communication with the data logger normal?

[0159] 3. Signal adaptation module (hidden component)

[0160] Does the interface conversion of the device under test work properly?

[0161] Is the signal conditioning function effective?

[0162] 4. Power Module

[0163] Can it provide a stable power supply to all test equipment?

[0164] Purpose of inspection:

[0165] This is a ground-based functional self-check performed before flight to ensure the accuracy of the "ruler" itself—only when the testing tools are functioning properly can the subsequently collected data be reliable and the performance of the airborne equipment under test be correctly evaluated. If the testing tools are faulty, the flight test is meaningless.

[0166] Step 203: Perform flight tests;

[0167] Step 204: Check if the sampled data is available. If it is available, perform data analysis.

[0168] Specifically:

[0169] "Checking the usability of the sampled data" is a data quality acceptance test conducted after the drone is recovered and before formal analysis. The judgment criteria mainly include:

[0170] 1. Data integrity check

[0171] Is the data collected completely? Are there any missing segments in the data throughout the flight (e.g., a loose TF card causing some data not to be recorded)?

[0172] Timestamp continuity: Whether the time count is continuous and whether there are any jumps (such as when the logger restarts and the time is reset).

[0173] 2. Data Validity Check

[0174] Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) meets the standard: whether the output signal of the device under test is drowned out by noise.

[0175] Are the values ​​within a reasonable range? For example, if the airspeed data shows a negative value or is out of range.

[0176] Does the key operating condition data cover all planned test conditions (climbing, diving, circling, etc.)?

[0177] 3. Synchronization check

[0178] Time alignment feasibility: Whether the time deviation between the data of the tested airborne equipment and the environmental sensor data is within the compensable range.

[0179] 4. Troubleshooting

[0180] Is the data error caused by poor contact in the signal adapter module?

[0181] Is the equipment malfunctioning due to power fluctuations?

[0182] Significance of the decision:

[0183] "Yes": The data quality meets the analysis requirements, and the analysis can proceed to the offline analysis stage.

[0184] "No": Data is unavailable (e.g., core operating condition data is lost or severely damaged), and the test flight must be re-executed; otherwise, the analysis results will be invalid.

[0185] Simply put: This is the final quality checkpoint, ensuring that the data "raw materials" input for analysis are qualified, and avoiding "garbage in, garbage out".

[0186] In this embodiment, a test system consisting of a ground platform, a drone mounting platform, a data recorder, and the airborne equipment under test can perform low-cost, accurate, and safe testing of the airborne equipment under test in a variety of real-world environments by flying the drone in preset scenarios.

[0187] Figure 3 The flowchart of the test method for airborne equipment based on a UAV provided in Embodiment 3 of this specification includes the following steps:

[0188] Step 301: After receiving the test command from the ground platform, the UAV executes the flight mission according to the preset flight scenario;

[0189] The flight scenario includes at least one of the following: flight path, flight altitude, flight speed, uniform flight, accelerated flight, climb, dive, and hover.

[0190] Step 302: During flight, the UAV acquires data on the working state of the onboard equipment connected to the mounting bracket on the UAV's mounting platform, as well as environmental parameters collected by environmental sensors on the UAV's mounting platform, through a data logger located on the UAV's mounting platform.

[0191] The drone is equipped with a mounting platform, and the mounting platform is located in the target payload area of ​​the drone.

[0192] Step 303: The ground platform analyzes the data or environmental parameters obtained from the data logger and outputs the test results of the airborne equipment under test.

[0193] In this embodiment, a test system consisting of a ground platform, a drone mounting platform, a data recorder, and the airborne equipment under test can perform low-cost, accurate, and safe testing of the airborne equipment under test in a variety of real-world environments by flying the drone in preset scenarios.

[0194] This specification also provides an airborne equipment testing system based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a program, and the processor executes the program to implement the airborne equipment testing method based on UAVs as described in any of the above-described technical solutions.

[0195] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not inherently related to any specific computer, virtual device, or electronic device, and various general-purpose devices can also implement the present invention. The above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0196] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0197] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A UAV-based airborne equipment testing system, characterized in that, include: Ground platform, drone, airborne equipment under test, data recorder; the drone is equipped with a mounting platform, and the mounting platform is located in the target payload area of ​​the drone, wherein the airborne equipment under test is airborne equipment used on an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft; The mounting platform includes a mounting bracket, a power module, and environmental sensors. The airborne equipment under test is fixed to the mounting platform via the mounting bracket, and the data logger is mounted on the mounting platform. The power module is connected to the airborne device under test, the data logger, and the environmental sensor, respectively; the data logger is connected to the airborne device under test and the environmental sensor, respectively. After receiving the test command from the ground platform, the UAV executes the flight mission according to the preset flight scenario; During the flight of the UAV, the data logger acquires data from the airborne equipment under test in its working state, as well as environmental parameters collected by the environmental sensors, which are then analyzed by the ground platform to output the test results of the airborne equipment under test.

2. The airborne equipment testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flight scenario includes at least one of the following: flight path, flight altitude, flight speed, uniform flight, accelerating flight, climb, dive, and hover.

3. The airborne equipment testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data logger acquires data from the airborne equipment under test during its operating state, as well as environmental parameters collected by the environmental sensors, encodes them, and stores them in the form of a TransFlash card, i.e., a flash memory card.

4. The airborne equipment testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ground platform preprocesses the data and environmental parameters obtained from the data logger to obtain a test dataset; Based on the test dataset, data analysis is performed, including at least one of the following: data polarity checking, time alignment, and fault / anomaly analysis and localization.

5. The airborne equipment testing system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Based on the test dataset, the ground platform performs data analysis and outputs test results based on preset usability evaluation indicators; wherein, the usability evaluation indicators include at least one of the following: operational stability compliance rate, data output accuracy rate, and environmental adaptability coverage; the test results include at least one of the following: test plan, test data, analysis process, evaluation results, and improvement suggestions.

6. The airborne equipment testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airborne device under test is fixed to the mounting platform by the mounting bracket, and the physical connection and signal debugging of the airborne device under test and the signal adapter module are completed; wherein, the signal adapter module is located in the data logger, and the mounting bracket is an adjustable structure for adapting to airborne devices of different sizes.

7. The airborne equipment testing system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adjustable structures include, but are not limited to: groove-guide rail type adjustment structure, thread-screw fine-tuning structure, modular combination adjustment structure, hinge-folding arm type adjustment structure, buckle-pin hole type adjustment structure, elastic clamp-hoop type adjustment structure, and multi-axis fine-tuning platform.

8. The airborne equipment testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data logger is connected to the environmental sensor to establish a communication connection and to debug the data logger's acquisition parameters; wherein, the acquisition parameters include at least one of the following: discrete acquisition interval, data storage format, and trigger acquisition conditions.

9. The airborne equipment testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The environmental sensor is used to collect environmental parameters during the test; wherein the environmental parameters include at least one of the following: UAV flight altitude, UAV flight speed, UAV flight position, atmospheric temperature, atmospheric humidity, atmospheric pressure, and airflow speed of the surrounding air during UAV flight; wherein the UAV flight position is used to confirm the flight trajectory.

10. A method for testing airborne equipment based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), characterized in that, include: After receiving the test command from the ground platform, the UAV executes the flight mission according to the preset flight scenario, wherein the flight scenario includes at least one of the following: flight path, flight altitude, flight speed, uniform flight, acceleration flight, climb, dive, and hover. During flight, the UAV acquires data on the working state of the onboard equipment connected to the mounting bracket on the UAV's mounting platform via a data logger located on the UAV's mounting platform, as well as environmental parameters collected by environmental sensors located on the UAV's mounting platform; wherein, the onboard equipment under test is onboard equipment used on an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the UAV is equipped with a mounting platform, and the mounting platform is located in the target payload area of ​​the UAV; The ground platform analyzes the data and environmental parameters obtained from the data logger and outputs the test results of the airborne equipment under test.

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