MK Test Systems has launched a fully-equipped electrical test system solution for aircraft engines, APUs and LRUs, designed to help MRO organisations reduce turnaround time (TAT) by addressing one of the most persistent constraints in maintenance operations; testing.
Developed specifically for the aerospace aftermarket, the solution brings together all elements required to perform compliant electrical testing into a single, configured system, and in doing so removing the complexity, variability and time associated with building test capability in-house.
A complete solution, built for the application
At its core, the system combines three key elements into a turnkey package:
- A high-performance Automeg® automatic test system
- Pre-written test programs, configured for specific engine, APU and LRU variants
- Custom interface cable sets, supplied or designed to exact requirements
Together, these elements deliver a complete test solution aligned to customer maintenance manuals (CMMs), enabling MRO teams to begin testing with minimal setup.
Unlike traditional approaches – where equipment, software and interfaces are often sourced and developed separately – MK Test’s solution is designed as a cohesive system from the outset.
Designed around real MRO challenges
In today’s MRO environment, pressure on capacity continues to grow. While investment often focuses on labour and facilities, testing remains a critical but frequently overlooked bottleneck.
Electrical testing—particularly of wire harnesses, interconnect systems and active modules—can introduce delays due to:
- System setup and configuration time
- Development of test programs
- Integration of hardware, software and interfaces
- Variability between operators or sites
MK Test’s approach is to remove these variables entirely by delivering a system that is ready to perform from day one.
Jason Evans, Managing Director at MK Test Systems, explains:
“We often see MRO teams spending significant time not on testing itself, but on getting ready to test…building programs, sourcing cables, and making systems work together. That’s where the pain points are, and where delays tend to creep in.”“Our aim with this solution is simple: provide everything needed to test a specific engine, APU or LRU, in one system, from one supplier—fully aligned to the CMM and ready to go.”
Variant-specific by design
A key differentiator of the solution is its focus on specific engine and component variants, rather than attempting to deliver a one-size-fits-all system.
Solutions are available for major engine platforms including GE90, CFM56 and LEAP, as well as a wide range of APUs and LRUs, with additional variants supported on request.
This targeted approach ensures:
- Accurate and consistent testing aligned to the CMM
- Reduced operator intervention and configuration
- Elimination of unnecessary functionality or complexity
“Trying to use a single system across multiple variants often introduces compromise, either in setup time or test accuracy. By designing each solution around the exact application, we remove that compromise.”
Reducing turnaround time through simplicity
The solution is designed to accelerate the path from system installation to operational testing.
With pre-written test programs and matched interface cables included, MROs can avoid hours (and often days) of engineering effort typically required to develop and validate test processes.
For LRU applications in particular, dedicated systems can significantly reduce testing time, while also lowering operational and sourcing costs through a single-supplier model.
“Reducing TAT isn’t always about working faster; it’s about removing the steps that shouldn’t be there in the first place,” says Evans.
“If the system is already configured, the program is already written, and the interfaces are already designed, you can focus purely on testing.”
Flexibility built in
While delivered as a turnkey system, the solution remains configurable to suit different operational models.
MROs can:
- Choose between full cable supply or design-only
- Include or exclude pre-written test programs
- Configure the Automeg system specification based on test requirements
This allows organisations to balance internal capability with external support, without compromising on compliance or performance.
A single-source approach to testing
By consolidating all elements of the test process into one solution, MK Test Systems provides a simplified procurement and deployment model.
Customers benefit from:
- Reduced integration time
- Consistent system performance
- A single point of accountability and support
Evans concludes:
“Ultimately, this is about making testing straightforward. Not easier in terms of engineering quality, but simpler in terms of process. Everything you need is there, working together, from the start.”
Enabling more efficient MRO operations
As demand for engine maintenance continues to rise, the ability to increase throughput without adding complexity is becoming increasingly important.
By addressing the inefficiencies associated with traditional test system deployment, MK Test’s engine, APU and LRU test system solution offers a practical route to improved operational performance; helping MROs reduce bottlenecks, improve consistency, and deliver faster turnaround times.
About MK Test Systems
MK Test Systems designs and manufactures automatic electrical test equipment for the world’s most demanding industries, including aerospace, defence and transportation. Its solutions are used globally to improve test accuracy, efficiency and reliability across a wide range of applications.
Learn more about our engine test solutions here.
