Simulated-high-altitude testing of aircraft ignition cables and connectors

PROGRESS in flying to ever increasing altitudes has brought with it a host of problems of which none have been more urgent than those involving the distribution of magneto energy to the aircraft spark plug. Highly stressed even under more favorable conditions, conventional cables and connectors have exhibited failures in high-altitude operation whose origin called for prompt study and correction. This paper describes an investigation of these causes using a simulated high-voltage high-temperature high-altitude tester and presents several means by which the life of the ignition system may be appreciably extended.