GosNIIAS specialists have developed a software and hardware complex that will allow extended testing of the onboard systems of the prospective MC-21 passenger aircraft before real flights begin. The new technology has become part of the "Electronic Bird" semi-natural stand, designed to test the Russian airliner's radio-electronic equipment.

The main element of the complex is a radio engineering systems simulator, which combines the modeling of air target trajectories, surveillance messages, transponder signals, and digital data into a single test environment.

Unlike individual software models, the new stand allows reproducing operating conditions of the aircraft that are as close to reality as possible. The system is capable of simulating dense air traffic, complex take-off and landing scenarios, simultaneous tracking of multiple targets, and limitations associated with the characteristics of a real aircraft.

The development is focused on testing promising surveillance and navigation technologies, including solutions that meet the requirements of the new generation ACAS-X collision avoidance system.

According to GosNIIAS specialists, when creating the test platform, it was important to ensure not only the modeling of individual emergency situations but also the comprehensive reproduction of the aircraft's real operation under high load conditions.