Introduction to Defence and Aerospace EMC
✔ Overview of defence and aerospace EMC environments
✔ Learn the differences between EN IEC 62061 and EN ISO 13849-1 and the concepts that these standards promote
✔ Review of DEF STAN 59-411, MIL STD 461 and RTCA DO-160 test specifications
✔ Preparing and specifying your project for trouble free EMC testing
✔ Troubleshooting and analysing EMC Testing
This fast-paced course provides a focused introduction to EMC for defence and aerospace systems. It is designed for professionals who need to apply practical EMC principles to their current or upcoming projects.
The course begins with an overview of EMC environments as defined in key standards, including DEF STAN 59-411, MIL-STD-461, and RTCA DO-160. We then analyse typical system configurations and explore how client and platform requirements influence EMC considerations.
Building on this foundation, you’ll develop a structured EMC test plan suitable for submission to an accredited laboratory. To increase your understanding, you’ll go on an orientation visit to an EMC test chamber and we’ll conduct a desktop analysis of a typical EMC test report including test data for both passes and failures.
By the end of the course, you’ll understand the main EMC standards and test techniques used in the defence and aerospace sectors and useful troubleshooting techniques and un. You’ll also be able to plan, write, and review EMC test documentation and know how these are applied in a test house. Finally, you’ll have developed the skills to interpret and evaluate EMC test data and reports.
- Managers in the defence and aerospace sectors responsible for systems and platforms with EMC requirements, wanting to understand these often challenging EMC environments for the commissioning and analysing EMC qualification testing.
- Compliance engineers involved in managing and demonstrating conformity with defence and aerospace EMC standards and test requirements
- Electrical/electronic engineers engaged in the design, development, testing, or production of defence and avionics equipment who need a practical understanding of EMC performance and qualification testing
- Understand the fundamentals of EMC and the electromagnetic environment.
- Familiarisation with avionics standard RTCA DO-160, Defence Standard 59-411 and MIL-STD-461.
- Understand EMC general test requirements for screened room test facilities and test setup.
- Understand the purpose and content of an EMC test plan.
- Familiarisation with the purpose and content of an EMC test report and the meaning of test results.
- Familiarisation with investigating EMC test failures, modifications and concessions and waivers.
- Familiarisation with the risk assessment process for COTS and MOTS.
- Familiarisation with EMC tests and trials in terms of test requirements, test equipment and test set-up.
- Overview of EMC: Coupling mechanisms, sources of interference, effects of electromagnetic interference, nature of interference, EMC phenomena.
- Overview of Standards: RTCA DO 160, MIL STD 461, DEF STAN 59-411, and related standards.
- EMC General Test Requirements: Test facilities, test layouts.
- Contents of a Test Plan: Test documentation, impact on project cost and timescale, generic content, preparation for test.
- Interpretation of Emission & Susceptibility Test Results: Test report content. Test results and their meaning.
- Test Failures: Test setup causes, source and coupling identification, typical EMC fixes; grounding, filtering, cables and connectors, shielding, modification retest, concessions, and waivers.
- Risk Assessment, COTS/MOTS: Risk assessment process, read across of test evidence and gap analysis.
- EMC Test & Trials Requirements: Conducted and radiated emission and susceptibility tests including test requirement and set-up, platform trials.
- Course delivered by one of TÜV SÜD's leading industry experts.
- Small class sizes enhance trainer-delegate relationship.
- Receive globally recognised TÜV SÜD certificate upon completion.
Upon completion, you will receive your globally recognised TÜV SÜD certificate on EMC Compliance for Defence and Avionics.
Basic understanding of electrical/electronic principles and scientific units of measurement.
What is the EMC Compliance for Defence and Avionics training course?
The EMC Compliance for Defence and Avionics training course is a one-day programme designed for engineers and compliance professionals working with defence and aerospace electronics. It covers key EMC standards such as DEF STAN 59-411, MIL-STD-461 and RTCA DO-160, and teaches how to prepare, test and report equipment for compliance.
How is the EMC Compliance for Defence and Avionics training course structured?
This one-day face-to-face course combines theory with practical examples from defence and aerospace projects. Delegates review standards, test plans and reports, discuss test setups and failure analysis, and receive expert feedback from an experienced TÜV SÜD trainer.
What experience do I need for this EMC Compliance for Defence and Avionics training course?
You should have a basic understanding of electrical or electronic engineering. No prior EMC qualification is required. The course is ideal for engineers and compliance specialists involved in defence or avionics product design, testing or certification.
How will this EMC Compliance for Defence and Avionics training course help my career?
Gaining competence in defence and aerospace EMC standards enhances your professional credibility and opens opportunities in defence, aerospace and advanced technology sectors. The TÜV SÜD certificate is internationally recognised and valued by leading manufacturers and suppliers.
What practical skills will I learn from this EMC Compliance for Defence and Avionics training course?
You’ll learn to interpret key EMC standards, develop compliant test plans, identify sources of interference, apply effective mitigation techniques, and assess COTS and MOTS equipment for compliance risk—all supported by real-world defence and avionics case examples.
Is the EMC Compliance for Defence and Avionics training course useful for MOD compliance and CE marking of defence systems?
Yes. The course covers UK and global defence-specific EMC standards used in Ministry of Defence acceptance processes together with eventual CE marking if required, including DEF STAN 59-411 and MIL-STD-461, ensuring your knowledge aligns with recognised certification frameworks.
Do you offer advanced or follow-on EMC courses?
Yes. TÜV SÜD Academy offers advanced courses on product design for EMC, system and installation EMC, and sector-specific compliance such as EMC for Defence and Avionics Level 2 and Total Safety Compliance for IEC 62368-1, allowing continued professional development.
Can I arrange in-house EMC Compliance for Defence and Avionics training for my organisation?
Yes. For teams of five or more, TÜV SÜD can deliver the course on-site or at a preferred location. In-house delivery ensures content is tailored to your systems, projects and compliance challenges. Contact [email protected] for a customised quote.
Richard Hardy
Senior Consultant and Trainer for TÜV SÜD Academy
“In defence and aerospace, EMC compliance isn’t optional – it is mission-critical. Our training equips engineers with both theoretical background and the practical skills to deliver compliant designs first time.”
Richard Hardy, Senior Consultant and Trainer – TÜV SÜD Academy
Richard has spent over 30 years in EMC test houses and consultancy providers working across the Defence, Aerospace, Nuclear and Space domains, fascinated by the theory but informed and influenced by practical experience gained across a wide range of projects from armoured land vehicles through large MOD Infrastructure redevelopment to novel propulsions systems for space probes.