Abbreviated Test Language for Avionics Systems (ATLAS) is a Mil-spec language for automatic testing of avionics equipment. It is a high-level computer language and can be used on any computer whose supporting software can translate it into the appropriate low-level instructions. The onboard electronics used for piloting an aircraft are called avionics(AVI-ation electr-ONICS). ...

The ATLAS language was initially developed by an international committee made up of representatives from the airline industries, military services, avionics manufactures, and Automatic Test Equipment manuafactures. The goal of the committee was to design a standard English-like language that could be easily understood and used by both avionics and test equipment engineers. The result was the ATLAS language specification, published by Aeronautical Radio, Inc.

The ATLAS language is oriented toward the Unit Under Test and is independent of the test equipment used. This allow interchangeability of test procedures developed by differenent organizations, and thus reduces costly duplication of test programming effort..

The first ATLAS specification developed by the international committee was publish in 1968. The basic document has been revised several times.

The ATLAS programming language incorperates an online compiler (OLC), Test executive (TEX), and file manager and media exchange (FMX) packages. Test executive is the mode ATLAS in ran on test stations while testing electronic equipment.

A standard ATLAS program structure consists of two elements: preamble structure and procedural structure. The ATLAS programming language makes extensive use of variables and statement syntax. An ATLAS statement consists of a flag field, statement number field, verb field, field separator, variable field, and statement terminator. Each and every ATLAS statement is terminated with the currency symbol ($).

ATLAS is used in the military primarly in on test stations for testing the avionic components of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-17 Globemaster III, and B-1 Lancer. F-16 Fighting Falcon over Iraq The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a modern multi-role jet fighter aircraft built in the United States. ... The C-17 Globemaster III The C-17 Globemaster III is a strategic airlifter manufactured by Boeing IDS, used by the United States Air Force and the Royal Air Force. ... The B-1 Lancer The Boeing IDS (formerly Rockwell) B-1B Lancer is a long-range strategic bomber in service with the USAF. Together with the B-52 Stratofortress, it is the backbone of the United States long-range bomber force. ...

ATLAS statement structure

A standard ATLAS statement:

| F STATNO | | VERB |, | VARIABLE FIELD | | $ |

Sample ATLAS Statements:

 000250 DECLARE,DECIMAL,'A1'(4)$ 000300 FILL, 'A1', 'NUM', (1) 1, 5, (2) 20, 87, (3) 15, 12, (4) 30, 18$ C AN ATLAS COMMENT HAS A 'C' IN COLUMN 1 AND ENDS WITH A DOLLAR SIGN $ 

See also

• Programming language