This Aerospace Information Report (AIR) provides information on systems integration rigs, commonly referred to as "Iron Birds" for aerospace applications.

a. It includes background historical information including descriptions of Iron Birds produced to date, important component elements and selection rationale, hydraulic system design and operational modes and illustrates the design approaches to be considered.

b. It provides illustrations of the various systems that should be considered for Iron Bird testing in the development phase and utilization during the production program.

c. It includes recommendations for simulation, component development tests, system integration and lessons learned.

Purpose

The information conveyed in this AIR is intended to help aircraft systems designers to design and developIron Birds for Aerospace applications. The document describes the design approaches that should be consideredand provides descriptions of Iron Birds produced to date on various commercial and military programs.