Why is UAS Testing DoD Important?
The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) provides unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) testing services to verify operational safety and compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) requirements. UAS include drones, ground control stations, and all supporting equipment and software. Comprehensive testing of these components is essential to assess UAS performance and reliability under military conditions.
Regulatory bodies like the DoD require UAS Testing to verify mission-ready airworthiness in compliance with military standards MIL-STD 810 and MIL-STD 461. Due to strict operational demands, UAS undergo rigorous testing in areas such as environmental evaluation, battery performance, and electromagnetic Interference and capability (EMC/EMI).
How DoD‑Level UAS Testing Validates System Compliance
ATS supports UAS systems by providing the following testing services:
Environmental Testing (MIL-STD 810)
UAS systems are exposed to harsh conditions throughout their service life, from extreme climates and high‑altitude flight to moisture and prolonged UV exposure. Environmental testing conducted to MIL‑STD‑810 evaluates system resilience to these real‑world military stressors, including but not limited to:
- Method 500.5 – Altitude or low pressure
- Method 501.5 – High temperature
- Method 502.5 – Low temperature
- Method 503.5 – Temperature shock
- Method 504.1 – Contamination by fluids
- Method 505.5 – Sunshine and Solar Radiation
- Method 506.5 – Rain
- Method 507.5 – Humidity
- Method 509.5 – Salt Spray/Salt Fog
- Method 510.5 – Sand and Dust
- Method 512.5 – Immersion
- Method 513.6 – Acceleration
- Method 514.6 – Vibration
- Method 516.6 – Shock
- Method 517.1 – Pyroshock
- Method 519.6 – Gunfire shock
- Method 521.3 – Icing/Freezing Rain
- Method 524.0 – Freeze/Thaw
EMI/EMC Testing (MIL‑STD‑461)
In environments that include military radios, advanced radar systems, and other electronic platforms, emitted electromagnetic energy can create electromagnetic interference (EMI) that degrades the performance of nearby systems. UAS platforms are particularly susceptible to both external EMI and internally generated electromagnetic fields, which can disrupt motor control, sensor accuracy, and navigation performance.
ATS can perform EMI/EMC testing to MIL-STD 461 methods, including:
- CE101: Conducted Emissions, Lo Freq.
- CE102: Conducted Emissions, Hi Freq.
- CS101: Conducted Susceptibility, Power Leads
- CS114: Conducted Susceptibility, Bulk Cable Injection
- CS115: Conducted Susceptibility, Transient Spikes
- CS116: Conducted Susceptibility, Transient Spikes
- CS117: Conducted Susceptibility, Unintentional Radiator
- CS118: Conducted Susceptiblity, Personnel ESD
- RE101: Radiated Emissions, Magnetic
- RE102: Radiated Emissions, Electric
- RS101: Radiated Susceptibility, Magnetic
- RS103: Radiated Susceptibility, Electric
Battery Testing (UN 38.3 & RTCA DO)
UAS typically require high‑energy batteries. These batters must be evaluated for performance and quality to assess safety in demanding conditions. Our team of experts applies environmental, electrical, and mechanical evaluations to the following standards:
- UN 38.3: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
- RTCA DO 311a: Rechargeable Batteries
- RTCA DO 227: Non-Rechargeable Bat.
- RTCA DO 293a: NiCd, Ni-MH, Pb Bat
Evaluating UAS Endurance in our Drone Testing Labs
With extensive experience in across a variety of testing methods, our team of trained experts delivers advanced UAV testing services in accordance with ITAR regulations. Our team verifies your unmanned aircraft’s compliance with military standards and provides clear insight into their full performance lifecycle.
Beyond the core requirements of UAS testing DoD, our engineers and technicians can do further drone analyses, including but not limited to:
- Electrical Testing
- Mechanical Testing
- Metallurgical Analysis
- Materials Testing (including metals and polymers)
- Performance Testing
- Custom Testing
Processes Rooted in Partnership
For over 50 years, ATS has grown into a Family of Companies (FOC) and is recognized as a military partner and a leader in testing, inspection, and calibration services. ATS holds multiple ISO 9001:2015 registrations and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditations, demonstrating our commitment to quality and our ability to meet demanding client requirements.
Contact Us
To verify that your unmanned aircraft systems comply with DoD requirements, contact ATS at +1 (888) 287-5227 or complete a web request form.
