An Overview of MIL-STD-704, MIL-HDBK-704, 28 Volt DC Aircraft Utilization Compliance Testing, Electrical Power Quality Causes and Impacts 2004-01-3156

Aircraft electrical power quality effects the operation and life of avionics equipment. The military interface document that defines aircraft electrical power at the input to utilization equipment is MIL-STD-704. Testing is required to demonstrate compatibility of avionics with aircraft electrical power. This paper summarizes the aircraft electrical operating conditions and power groups of MIL-STD-704. The paper also gives an overview of the test guidance for 28 volt DC aircraft utilization equipment provided in the recently published handbook MIL-HDBK-704, “Guidance for Test Procedures for Demonstration of Utilization Equipment Compliance to Aircraft Electrical Power Characteristics”. Common causes of power quality parameters and the effects on avionics are given.