Safety issue

Safety issue description

The LTN-101 air data inertial reference unit (ADIRU) model had a demonstrated susceptibility to single event effects (SEE). The consideration of SEE during the design process was consistent with industry practice at the time the unit was developed, and the overall fault rates of the ADIRU were within the relevant design objectives.

Issue number AO-2008-070-SI-08
Issue owner Northrop Grumman Corporation
Transport function Aviation: Air transport
Date issue released 19/12/2011
Issue status justification

The theoretical analysis was an assessment of the potential for SEE to have an influence. It did not actually reduce the potential of SEE for existing units.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number AO-2008-070-NSA-126
Organisation Northrop Grumman Corporation
Action date 19/12/2011
Action description The ADIRU manufacturer conducted a ‘theoretical analysis’ of the potential for a single event upset (SEU) on the LTN-101 ADIRU. The overall result of this analysis was that, after considering the influence of SEEs, the ADIRU still met the aircraft manufacturer’s safety objectives.
Action status Closed