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In-flight upset - 154 km west of Learmonth, WA, 7 October 2008,

In-flight upset - 154 km west of Learmonth, WA, 7 October 2008,

In-flight upset - 154 km west of Learmonth, WA, 7 October 2008,

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3 FACTUAL INFORMATION: AIR DATA INERTIALREFERENCE UNITSThe recorded information from the 7 <strong>October</strong> <strong>2008</strong> <strong>flight</strong> showed that air datainertial reference unit (ADIRU) 1 (unit 4167) provided some incorrect <strong>flight</strong> data tothe aircraft’s other systems. This included data spikes on air data reference (ADR)parameters that were not flagged as invalid by the ADIRU. Several systemsdetected problems with ADIRU 1’s performance, but the unit itself did not recordany faults, and extensive testing <strong>of</strong> the unit did not identify any relevant problems.The same failure mode has occurred on two other occasions.Given that the reasons for the failure were not identified by unit testing or recordedfault messages, a more detailed examination <strong>of</strong> the ADIRU design, recorded data,and in-service performance was conducted.3.1 LTN-101 ADIRU history3.1.1 Equipment specificationDuring the development <strong>of</strong> the A330/A340 aircraft, the aircraft manufacturerdeveloped equipment specification SPE A 3410 A002 for the air data and inertialreference system (ADIRS). The version applicable to the LTN-101 ADIRU designwas issued in February 1990.The specification outlined the technical requirements that the air data inertialreference system (ADIRS) and its major components (including the ADIRUs)needed to satisfy. These included requirements for the ADIRU’s functions,operating conditions, data formats, performance levels, interface design, andgeneral characteristics. It also outlined general safety objectives, general reliabilityobjectives, built-in test equipment (BITE) requirements, safety analysisrequirements, and a s<strong>of</strong>tware criticality level. Where applicable, the specificationreferred to regulatory requirements, industry standards and Airbus directives.The integration <strong>of</strong> the ADIRS with other systems was the responsibility <strong>of</strong> theaircraft manufacturer. Consequently, the ADIRS equipment specification did notstate how the data transmitted from the ADIRUs would be used by other aircraftsystems.3.1.2 Overview <strong>of</strong> LTN-101 usageThe LTN-101 ADIRU was initially designed to meet the Airbus equipmentspecification for use on A330/A340 aircraft, and it was certified in 1993. <strong>In</strong> additionto being used on A330/A340 aircraft, it was also certified for use on the AirbusA320, the Saab 2000, and the Bombardier CRJ, Q400 and CL604 models.The LTN-101 was one <strong>of</strong> two ADIRU models certified for the A330/A340. By theend <strong>of</strong> <strong>2008</strong>, LTN-101 ADIRUs were fitted to about 44% <strong>of</strong> the A330/A340 fleet.As <strong>of</strong> April 2010, LTN-101 units had accrued over 128 million hours <strong>of</strong> operation,including 113 million hours in Airbus aircraft. Over 8,000 units had beenmanufactured by July 2010, and the units were used by over 60 different operators.- 109 -

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