RTCA DO-227 & DO-311 TESTING AND APPROVALS
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires certification to DO-227 for primary Lithium cells and batteries, and DO-311 for secondary Lithium-ion cells and batteries installed on aircraft. DO-227 is the Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) for Non-Rechargeable Lithium Batteries. D0-311 is the Minimum Operational Performance Standard (MOPS) for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries and Battery Systems. Compliance with RTCA DO-227 or DO-311 ensures cells and batteries perform their intended function safely in conditions encountered in aeronautical environments.
Unlike UN 38.3 certification (which qualifies batteries for shipment on aircraft), RTCA DO-227 or DO-311 provides design, testing, and installation guidance for primary Lithium and secondary Lithium-ion batteries that are permanently installed on aircraft. These types of batteries typically power guidance, communication, navigation, emergency lighting, cockpit displays, underwater locater beacons, Emergency Locater Transmitters (ELT), main and auxiliary batteries, brakes, emergency batteries (e.g., EXIT signs), and seat belt systems.
MPS has the staff, test facilities, and the accreditation to perform RTCA DO-227 or DO-311 approvals in-house. MPS can perform;
- RTCA DO-227 or DO-311 Testing on third party cell and batteries,
- RTCA DO-227 or DO-311 Pre-testing within our development process at the prototype phase, and
- Formal RTCA DO-227 or DO-311 testing at the pre-production launch phase.
The RTCA test procedure is defined by the OEM in consultation with the engineering staff from the test facility. The test procedure is a detailed document that defines the test procedures and expected results. Development of this document is accomplished by the OEM with input from their test facility on test equipment and procedures. The scope of the testing includes the entire tier structure of the device, including component cells, battery packs, and the supported aviation device. Final approval is provided by the FAA.
The OEM may have the expertise and equipment available to perform the testing in-house. But more commonly, an independent test facility that is accredited to the test standards will be utilized.
The testing may include;
- Electrical performance tests, such as capacity at temperature or high current discharge;
- Mechanical or environmental tests like vibration, drop, or thermal cycling, derived from RTCA DO-160 which covers environmental requirements for aviation electronics;
- Safety tests such as short-circuit or overcharge; and
- Equipment-level tests such as thermal runaway.
Unlike other approvals like UN 38.3, the total number of samples required for RTCA rechargeable battery test regimes is relatively small. This is achieved by specific samples being assigned to specific tests with high reuse rates, the sequential order of the testing being defined for each sample, and the number of replicates for any given test kept to a minimum. Non-rechargeable battery testing requires a larger sample size, but still less than the samples required for UN 38.3 testing.
For a summary specification of RTCA DO-227, click here;
For a summary specification of RTCA DO-311, click here;
