SAE AS8002B-2020 PDF

Full title and description

SAE International — AS8002B: Air Data Computer — Minimum Performance Standard. Defines minimum performance, inputs, outputs and test/verification requirements for airborne air data computer equipment that provides computed air data signals (analog and/or digital) used by primary and/or standby flight instruments.

Abstract

This aerospace standard (AS8002B, Revision B) specifies functional outputs (pressure altitude, baro-corrected altitude, vertical speed, calibrated airspeed, Mach number, maximum allowable airspeed, over-speed warning, total air temperature, etc.), required environmental and electrical interfaces, performance limits, and verification/test procedures for air data computers used in aircraft. The document establishes minimum performance and test criteria to ensure reliable computed air data delivery to cockpit instruments and systems.

General information

• Status: Revised.
• Publication date: April 28, 2020 (AS8002B revision date).
• Publisher: SAE International.
• ICS / categories: Aerospace / aircraft & space vehicles — ICS 49.020 (Aircraft and space vehicles in general).
• Edition / version: AS8002B (Revision B, 2020).
• Number of pages: 28 pages.

Scope

The standard applies to air data computer equipment that, when connected to aircraft electrical power and pitot/static/temperature inputs (and other manufacturer-specified sources), provides one or more computed air data outputs used by flight instruments and systems. It covers required outputs (pressure altitude and baro-corrected altitude, vertical speed, calibrated airspeed, Mach number, maximum allowable airspeed, over‑speed warning, total air temperature), performance criteria, and test procedures to demonstrate compliance.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined computed outputs: pressure altitude, baro-corrected altitude, vertical speed, calibrated airspeed, Mach number, total air temperature, max allowable airspeed and overspeed warnings.
• Electrical and sensor interfaces: requirements for connection to aircraft power, static/total pressure and temperature sensors.
• Performance limits and accuracy tolerances for each computed parameter.
• Environmental and EMC testing to demonstrate reliable operation under expected aircraft conditions.
• Verification and test procedures, calibration and functional checks.
• Failure/warning outputs and integration considerations for primary and standby instrument applications.

Typical use and users

Used by avionics and air data computer OEMs, aircraft integrators, certification engineers, test laboratories, repair/overhaul facilities and regulatory authorities to specify and verify minimum performance of air data computers intended for installation on civil and military aircraft. It is referenced during design, qualification testing, procurement and certification activities.

Related standards

Previous edition AS8002A (historic). Related SAE documents addressing altimeter systems and instruments include AS8009 (pressure altimeter systems) and AS791 (remote/servoed air data instruments); other cross-referenced barometry/altimetry guidance and aerospace instrument standards are commonly used alongside AS8002B.

Keywords

air data computer, air data, pitot-static, calibrated airspeed, pressure altitude, Mach number, total air temperature, environmental testing, avionics, SAE AS8002B

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS8002B is an SAE aerospace minimum performance standard that specifies required functions, performance limits and test/verification procedures for airborne air data computer equipment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the computed outputs produced by air data computers (altitude variants, airspeed, Mach, vertical speed, total air temperature, overspeed warnings), required sensor/electrical interfaces, environmental and EMC test requirements, and verification methods to demonstrate compliance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Avionics OEMs, aircraft integrators, certification and compliance engineers, test labs and repair/overhaul organizations use AS8002B when designing, testing, procuring or certifying air data computers for aircraft installations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The latest published revision is AS8002B (Revision B), published April 28, 2020. The document is listed as "Revised" (AS8002B) and replaces earlier AS8002A; no later revision (AS8002C or other) was identified in SAE Mobilus as of March 2, 2026.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — AS8002 is part of SAE's family of air/altimetry and avionics performance standards. It is commonly used alongside related standards for altimeter systems (AS8009 series), servoed instruments (AS791) and other aerospace instrument and barometry guidance documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Air data computer, pitot-static, calibrated airspeed, pressure altitude, Mach number, total air temperature, environmental testing, SAE AS8002B.