AEF Solutions were approached by an Avionics equipment manufacturer wishing to upgrade a black box to provide lightening protection to Level 4, waveform 4 of DO160-F.
The project was taken on by AEF but had an unusual requirement in that the black box is qualified to Level 3 waveform 3 and could not be modified.
AEF overcame the problem by supplying an Arinc 404 Plug connector, which replaced the existing aircraft plug connector and provided lightening protection to the required level. The connector was installed in situ and negated the need for a new aircraft wiring loom as it accepts the standard crimp contacts or any modification to the box or mounting system. Installation was quick and simple and minimised the AOG condition.