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INCH-POUND

MIL-DTL-5099C
30 March 2011
SUPERSEDING
MIL-I-5099B
13 December 1968

DETAIL SPECIFICATION

INDICATOR, CABIN AIR PRESSURE, 1-7/8 INCH DIAL, TYPE MA-1

Inactive for new design after 24 March 1999.

This specification is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the
Department of Defense.

1. SCOPE

1.1 Scope. This specification covers the design and performance requirements for one
type of pressure altitude indicator having a range of 0 to 50,000 feet.

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 General. The documents listed in this section are specified in sections 3 and 4 of this
specification. This section does not include documents cited in other sections of this specification or
recommended for additional information or as examples. While every effort has been made to
ensure the completeness of this list, document users are cautioned that they must meet all specified
requirements of the documents cited in sections 3 and 4 of this specification, whether or not they are
listed.

2.2 Government documents.

2.2.1 Specifications, standards, and handbooks. The following specifications, standards,

and handbooks form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise
specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract.

Comments, suggestions, or questions on this document should be addressed to Defense

Logistics Agency Aviation VEB, 8000 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond, VA 23297-5616,
or e-mailed to STDZNMGT@dla.mil. Since contact information can change, you may want to
verify the currency of this address information using the ASSIST database at
https://assist.daps.dla.mil/.

AMSC N/A FSC 6685

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FEDERAL STANDARDS

FED-STD-595/37038 - Miscellaneous, Flat or Lusterless

FED-STD-595/37875 - Miscellaneous, Flat or Lusterless

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SPECIFICATIONS

MIL-DTL-5541 - Chemical Conversion Coatings on Aluminum and

Aluminum Alloys
MIL-S-7742 - Screw Threads, Standard, Optimum Selected Series:
General Specification for
MIL-A-8625 - Anodic Coatings for Aluminum and Aluminum
Alloys
MS28105 - Cover Glass, Aircraft Instrument Dial
MS33558 - Numerals and Letters, Aircraft Instrument Dial,
Standard Form of
MS33638 - Cases, Instrument, Flange Mounted, Aircraft

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE STANDARDS

MIL-STD-130 - Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property

MIL-STD-810 - Environmental Engineering Considerations and
Laboratory Tests
MIL-STD-859 - Standard Calibration Table for Aeronautical
Pressure Measuring Equipment
MIL-STD-889 - Dissimilar Metals
MIL-STD-31000 - Technical Data Packages

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE HANDBOOKS

MIL-HDBK-454 - General Guidelines for Electronic Equipment

MIL-HDBK-781 - Reliability Test Methods, Plans, and Environments
for Engineering Development, Qualification, and
Production

(Copies of these documents are available online at https://assist.daps.dla.mil/ or from the

Standardization Document Order Desk, 700 Robbins Avenue, Building 4D, Philadelphia, PA
19111-5094.)

2.3 Non-government publications. The following documents form a part of this document
to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those
cited in the solicitation or contract.

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AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION

NASM33737 - Nut, Sheet Spring, Instrument Mounting

(Copies of this document are available online at www.aia-aerospace.org/ or from the Aerospace
Industries Association, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209-3928.)

ASTM INTERNATIONAL

ASTM C1036 - Standard Specification for Flat Glass

(Copies of this document are available online at http://www.astm.org/ or from ASTM

International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.)

SAE INTERNATIONAL

SAE AMS-QQ-P-416 - Plating, Cadmium (Electrodeposited)

SAE AS5202 - Port or Fitting End, Internal Straight Thread,
Design Standard

(Copies of these documents are available online at http://www.sae.org or from SAE

International, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.)

2.4 Order of precedence. Unless otherwise noted herein or in the contract, in the event
of a conflict between the text of this document and the references cited herein, the text of this
document takes precedence. Nothing in this document, however, supersedes applicable laws and
regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained.

3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 First article. When specified, the contractor shall furnish sample units for first article
inspection and approval (see 4.2.1 and 6.2).

3.2 Materials. Materials shall conform to applicable specifications and shall be as

specified herein. Materials for which there are no applicable specifications, or which are not
specifically described herein, shall be of the best quality and of the lightest practicable weight
suitable for the purpose intended.

3.2.1 Critical materials. Non-critical materials shall be used where practicable. Where
the use of a critical material is essential to meet specification requirements, the material used
shall be the least critical of those that are adequate for the purpose.

3.2.2 Nonmagnetic materials. Nonmagnetic materials shall be used for all parts of the
indicator except where magnetic materials are essential.

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3.2.3 Metals. Metals shall be of the corrosion-resistant type, or shall be suitably

protected as specified herein to resist corrosion due to fuels, salt spray, or atmospheric
conditions to which the indicator may be subjected when in storage or during normal service life.

3.2.3.1 Dissimilar metals. Dissimilar metals, as defined in MIL-STD-889, shall not be

used in intimate contact with each other, unless protection against electrolytic corrosion is
provided.

3.2.3.2 Aluminum alloy parts. Unless otherwise specified, aluminum alloy parts shall be
covered with a type IC, II, or IIB anodic film conforming to MIL-A-8625, or government-
approved alternate methods. The dial, small holes, threads, and case inserts need not be
anodized. Aluminum alloys that do not anodize satisfactorily shall be coated with a type II,
class 3 chemical film in accordance with MIL-DTL-5541. Alternate chemical film methods may
be substituted with government approval.

3.2.3.3 Steel parts. Steel parts shall be cadmium-plated where practicable in accordance
with SAE AMS-QQ-P-416. Alternate methods of corrosion prevention may be used with
government approval.

3.2.4 Protective treatment. When materials are used in the construction of the indicator
that are subject to atmospheric or environmental conditions likely to cause corrosion in normal
service life, they shall be protected against corrosion in a manner that will in no way prevent
compliance with the performance requirements of this specification. Finishes and protective
coatings which will crack, chip, or scale during normal service life, or are affected by extremes
of atmospheric or environmental conditions, shall not be used.

3.2.5 Fungus-proof materials. Materials that are nutrients for fungi shall not be used
where it is practicable to avoid them. Where used, they shall be treated with a fungicidal agent
acceptable to the procuring activity. If the indicator case is of a hermetically sealed design, then
fungicidal treatment of the materials or components installed within the case will not be
necessary.

3.2.6 Fumes and vapors. Materials used in the construction of the indicator shall not
produce corrosive, deleterious, or toxic fumes or vapors under the conditions specified herein.

3.3 Design and construction. The design of the indicator shall provide a pressure-
actuated mechanism. The indicator shall be so constructed that no parts will work loose in
service, and it will withstand the normal shocks, vibrations, and such other conditions as are
incident to service, shipping, storage, and installation without a failure.

3.3.1 Maintenance. The design shall be such as to facilitate as much as possible

disassembly, repair or overhaul, service maintenance, and reassembly using those tools and
items of maintenance equipment that are normally available as commercial standards.

3.3.2 Case. The case shall consist of a body, a mounting flange, and a bezel ring
conforming to MS33638 for the 2-inch nominal size, with an overall length of 1.750 ±0.125
inches. The case shall be made of nonferrous, low-density metal, uniform in texture, and shall

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be finished with lusterless black in accordance with FED-STD-595/37038. The finishing

materials shall be of a durable type to withstand usage encountered in service.

3.3.2.1 Pressure boss. The case shall have a metal boss in accordance with
SAE AS5202-04 located on the rear within 0.25 inch of the vertical and horizontal centerlines,
and shall not protrude more than 0.25 inch from the rear of the case. A 150 × 150 wire mesh
corrosion-resistant filter screen shall be firmly installed.

3.3.2.2 Reinforcement. The case around the pressure boss shall be of sufficient strength
to prevent damage to the case when the connection is tightened during installation of the
indicator.

3.3.2.3 Bezel ring. The bezel ring shall be held in place by means of screws properly
secured with lock washers. Provision shall be made for the replacement of the cover glass by
removal of the bezel ring.

3.3.3 Weight. The weight of the completely assembled indicator shall not exceed
0.5 pound.

3.3.4 Screw threads. Screw threads shall be in accordance with MIL-S-7742.

3.4 Dial and pointer.

3.4.1 Dial. The dial shall be securely mounted in such a manner that it will not loosen or
slip when the indicator is vibrated. If screws are used, they shall be so located that they will not
interfere with the proper location of any dial marking.

3.4.1.1 Visibility of dial. The pointer, the numerals, at least 0.031 inch of the shortest
graduations, and all other specified markings on the dial shall be visible from any point within
the frustum of a cone whose side makes an angle of 30 degrees with a perpendicular to the dial,
and whose small diameter is the aperture of the case.

3.4.1.2 Dial marking. The dial shall be marked and finished as shown in figure 1. The
colors shall not change as a result of service use or subjecting the indicator to the inspections
specified herein. The form of the numerals and letters shall be in accordance with MS33558.
Numerals shall distinctly indicate the graduation to which each applies. If practicable, each
numeral shall be placed so that the center of area of the numeral(s) is on the radial line joining
the appropriate graduation and the center of the dial. Any confusion resulting in doubt as to the
graduation to which the numeral applies shall be cause for rejection. When several numerals are
used in one group, the space between the numerals shall be not less than 0.016 inch.

3.4.2 Pointer. The pointer of the indicator shall be firmly attached to the mechanism, but
also shall be readily removable during servicing or overhaul. The pointer form, dimensions, and
finish shall conform to the requirements shown in figure 1.

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NOTES:
1. All dimensions are in inches.
2. Unless otherwise specified, dial tolerance ±0.016; pointer tolerance ±0.010; angles ±0.5°.
3. All dial graduations are partial radial lines.
4. Numerals and letters shall be in accordance with MS33558.
5. Thickness of pointer shall be not less than 0.010.
6. Balance end and hub of pointer shall be designed to suit conditions.

Height or Width of line or

length graduation
Marking (±0.010) (+0.005/-0.000) Material or finish 1
Numerals 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 0.156 0.020

Lettering
"CABIN PRESSURE ALTITUDE" 0.093 0.015
"X 1000 FT" 0.062 0.010 Lusterless white in
accordance with
Major graduations at 0, 5, 10, 15, etc. As shown 0.020 FED-STD-595/37875

Minor graduations As shown 0.012

Shaded portion of pointer As shown -

Unshaded portion of pointer As shown - Lusterless black in
accordance with
Background of dial - - FED-STD-595/37038
1
Figure shown in negative view.

FIGURE 1. Dial markings.

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3.5 Cover glass. The quality of the cover glass shall be in accordance with
ASTM C1036, quality Q1, for flat sheet glass. Any flaws permitted by ASTM C1036 shall not
interfere with reading of the dial. The dimensions of the cover glass shall be in accordance with
MS28105.

3.5.1 Cover glass mounting. The distance from the inner surface of the cover glass to
the surface of the dial on which the marking is applied shall not exceed 0.125 inch.

3.6 Performance. The indicator shall perform satisfactorily when subjected to the tests
shown in section 4 of this specification.

3.6.1 Mean-time between failures (MTBF). The indicator shall have a MTBF
(θ1 - θ0/θ1) of not less than 2,000 hours, based on a decision risk of 10 percent and a
discrimination ratio (θ0/θ1) of 1.5:1. In instances where the manufacturer does not have
historical data for calculation of MTBF, the procuring activity may specify reliability assurance
testing (see 4.2.2).

3.7 Nameplate. A nameplate shall be securely attached to the exterior of the case and
shall be marked in accordance with the requirements of MIL-STD-130, except that the national
stock number shall be omitted.

3.7.1 Manufacturer's part number. The manufacturer's part number on the nameplate
shall be identical with the manufacturer's engineering production drawing number including
applicable dash numbers if the drawing is tabulated and covers more than one part.

3.8 Interchangeability. All parts having the same manufacturer's part number shall be
directly and completely interchangeable with each other with respect to installation and
performance. Changes in manufacturer's part numbers shall be governed by the drawing number
requirements of MIL-STD-31000.

3.9 Mounting hardware. The mounting flange shall be capable of retaining clip-in lock
nuts conforming to legacy part number MS33737-11 in accordance with NASM33737.

3.9.1 Mounting lugs. Mounting lugs of the complete assembled case shall each
withstand for 1 minute, without fracture, a load of 175 pounds applied along the mounting hole
axis and toward the front of the instrument.

3.10 Shipping plug. A suitable shipping plug shall be screwed in the pressure insert for
shipping purposes. The plug shall incorporate a vent consisting of a hole 0.062 ±0.016 inch in
diameter.

3.11 Mechanism adjustment. The mechanism shall be provided with means of adjusting
or correcting the indications to conform to the performance requirements herein, in case this
becomes necessary during the life of the indicator. The calibration adjustment shall not affect
the temperature performance of the instrument. This means of adjustment shall be reasonably
simple to manipulate and of such nature that adjustment can be accomplished by tools ordinarily
possessed by an instrument repair technician.

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3.12 General requirements. Indicators manufactured under this specification should

conform to the applicable general guidelines of MIL-HDBK-454.

3.13 Recycled, recovered, or environmentally preferable materials. Recycled, recovered,

or environmentally preferable materials should be used to the maximum extent possible,
provided that the material meets or exceeds the operational and maintenance requirements, and
promotes economically advantageous life cycle costs.

4. VERIFICATION

4.1 Classification of inspections. The inspection requirements specified herein are

classified as follows:

a. First article inspection (see 4.2).

b. Conformance inspection (see 4.3).

4.2 First article inspection. First article inspection shall consist of all the inspections and
tests of this specification, performed in the order specified in table I.

TABLE I. First article inspections and tests.

Inspections and tests Reference paragraph

Examination of product 4.5.1
Case leakage 4.5.2
Scale error (room temp.) 4.5.3
Hysteresis 4.5.4
After effect 4.5.4.1
Position error 4.5.5
Friction 4.5.6
Scale error (-55 °C (-67 °F)) 4.5.7
High temperature characteristics 4.5.8
Vibration error 4.5.9
Overpressure 4.5.10
Magnetic effect 4.5.11
Vibration endurance 4.5.12
High altitude (low temp.) 4.5.13
Humidity 4.5.14
Fungus resistance 4.5.15
Salt fog 4.5.16
Mounting lugs 4.5.17
Internal examination 4.5.18

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4.2.1 First article samples. Unless otherwise specified, as soon as practicable after
award of a contract or order, the manufacturer shall submit three cabin air pressure indicators for
first article testing. The sample units shall be representative of the construction, workmanship,
components, and materials to be used during production. When a manufacturer is in continuous
production of these cabin air pressure indicators from contract to contract, submission of further
first article samples on the new contract may be waived at the discretion of the procuring activity
(see 6.2). Approval of the first article samples or the waiving of the first article inspection does
not preclude the requirements of submitting to the conformance inspection. The first article
samples shall be furnished to the government as directed by the contracting officer (see 6.2).
Each sample unit shall be plainly identified by a securely attached durable tag marked with the
following information (less quotes/brackets):

"Sample for first article"

"Submitted by [name] [date] for tests in accordance with the requirements of
specification
MIL-DTL-5099 under authorization [reference letter authorizing test]"
"Indicator, Cabin Air Pressure"
[Manufacturer's Part No.]
[MIL-DTL Part No.]
[Name of manufacturer]

4.2.1.1 Disposition of first article samples. Upon completion of the first article
inspection, all the applicable inspection reports and, when applicable, recommendations and
comments pertinent for use in monitoring production will be forwarded to the government
contracting officer. The sample units may be consumed or destroyed in the first article
inspection and shall not be considered as part of the quantity to be delivered under contract
(see 6.2).

4.2.2 Reliability assurance testing. Reliability assurance testing, if required for the
purposes of establishing MTBF, shall be as specified by the procurement contract (see 6.2).
Reliability test documentation should conform to the guidelines of MIL-HDBK-781 and shall be
maintained and readily available.

4.3 Conformance inspection. Conformance inspection of the cabin air pressure

indicators shall consist of the individual inspections and tests; and the sampling plans of this
specification as shown in table II.

TABLE II. Conformance inspection and test requirements.

Sampling Sampling
Reference Individual plan A plan B
Inspections and tests paragraph (See 4.3.1) (See 4.3.2.1) (See 4.3.2.2)
Examination of product 4.5.1 X X X
Case leakage 4.5.2 X X X
Scale error (room temp.) 4.5.3 X X X
Hysteresis 4.5.4 X X X

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TABLE II. Conformance inspection and test requirements - Continued.

Sampling Sampling
Reference Individual plan A plan B
Inspections and tests paragraph (See 4.3.1) (See 4.3.2.1) (See 4.3.2.2)
After effect 4.5.4.1 X X X
Position error 4.5.5 X X X
Friction 4.5.6 X X X
Scale error (-55 °C (-67 °F)) 4.5.7 - X X
High temp. characteristics 4.5.8 - X X
Vibration error 4.5.9 - X X
Overpressure 4.5.10 - X X
Magnetic effect 4.5.11 - X X
Vibration endurance 4.5.12 - - X
High altitude (low temp.) 4.5.13 - - X
Humidity 4.5.14 - - X
Fungus resistance 4.5.15 - - X
Salt fog 4.5.16 - - X
Mounting lugs 4.5.17 - - X
Internal examination 4.5.18 - - X

4.3.1 Individual inspection. Each indicator submitted for acceptance shall be subjected
to individual inspections and tests. These inspections and tests shall determine compliance with
the requirements of material, workmanship, and operational accuracy. As a minimum, each
indicator accepted shall have passed the individual inspections and tests shown in table II.

4.3.2 Sampling plans. The sampling plans shall consist of sampling plan A and
sampling plan B inspections and tests shown in table II. The inspection samples selected for
sampling tests shall first have passed the individual inspections. The inspection samples that
have been subjected to sampling plan A inspection shall not be delivered on contract until they
have been refurbished to good as new condition, resubmitted, and passed all the individual
inspections. Inspection samples that have been subjected to the sampling plan B inspection shall
not be delivered on the contract.

4.3.2.1 Sampling plan A sample selection. Sampling plan A samples shall be selected at
random in accordance with the schedule shown in table III. When a defective indicator occurs,
no items from those still on-hand or later produced shall be accepted until the extent and cause of
the failure have been determined and appropriately corrected. In addition, when a failure occurs,
shift to one sample out of fifteen (when sampling plan B is omitted) and proceed as indicated.

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TABLE III. Sampling plan A.

Quantity offered for Quantity to be selected
acceptance for inspection
First 15 See Note 1
Next 50 1
Next 75 1
Next 100 1
Each additional 200 1
or fraction thereof
1
When sampling plan B is invoked, the quantity shall be zero.
When sampling plan B is to be omitted, the quantity shall be one.

4.3.2.1.1 Sampling plan A inspection. Each sample selected for sampling plan A
inspection shall be subjected to the tests as shown in table II, in the order listed.

4.3.2.2 Sampling plan B sample selection. When required by the procurement contract,
2 indicators shall be selected at random from the first 15 produced on contract (see 6.2).

4.3.2.2.1 Sampling plan B inspection. Each indicator selected for sampling plan B
inspection shall be subjected to the tests as shown in table II, in the order listed.

4.4 Inspection conditions.

4.4.1 Standard conditions. Unless otherwise specified, all inspections required by this
specification shall be made under the following conditions:

Temperature Room ambient: 25 ±5 °C (77 ±9 °F).

Pressure Normal atmospheric: Approximately 29.92 inches mercury (Hg). When
tests are made with atmospheric pressure substantially different from the
above values, proper allowance for change in indicator reading shall be
made for the difference from the specified conditions.
Humidity Room ambient: 40 to 90 percent relative humidity.

4.4.2 Test readings. Unless otherwise specified, before a test reading is taken, the
indicator shall be tapped using a vibrator set at 60 Hertz (Hz) with a maximum double amplitude
of 0.002 inch.

4.4.3 Attitude. Unless otherwise specified, the indicator shall be tested in its normal
operating position.

4.5 Test methods.

4.5.1 Examination of product. Each indicator shall be examined externally to determine

conformance with the applicable drawings and with all the requirements of this specification not
covered by tests.

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4.5.2 Case leakage. A vacuum, sufficient to produce a change of reading of the pointer
of approximately 18,000 feet, shall be slowly applied to the static pressure connection of the
indicator, at which point the connection tubing shall be pinched off or otherwise sealed. After
pinching or sealing, indicated pressure changes shall not exceed 100 feet in 1 minute.

4.5.3 Scale error (room temperature). The indicator shall be subjected successively to
the pressures specified in table IV. The reduction in pressure, as indicated by a standard
laboratory atmospheric barometer during the interval between test points, shall be made at a rate
corresponding to an increase in altitude of approximately 3,000 feet per minute. The indicator
shall remain at the pressure corresponding to each point for at least 1 minute, but not more than
10 minutes, before a test reading is taken. The scale errors shall be tabulated. Movement of the
pointer shall be free from backlash and any irregular motion when the pressure is varied
uniformly. The scale error at any point shall not exceed the tolerance listed in table IV. The
tests shall be repeated while decreasing the altitude.

TABLE IV. Scale errors.

Room temperature -55 ±2 °C (-67 ±4 °F)
Equivalent (variation from (variation from room
Standard altitudes atmospheric pressure standard altitude) temperature reading)
(feet) (inches Hg) 1 (±feet) (±feet)
0 29.921 200 300
5,000 24.896 300 300
10,000 20.577 400 400
15,000 16.886 500 500
20,000 13.750 600 600
25,000 11.104 700 700
30,000 8.885 800 800
35,000 7.041 900 900
40,000 5.538 1,000 1,000
45,000 4.355 1,100 1,100
50,000 3.425 1,200 1,200
1
Aeronautical pressure equivalents are listed from MIL-STD-859.

4.5.4 Hysteresis. Not more than 15 minutes after the indicator has been first subjected to
the pressure corresponding to the upper limit of the scale in the scale error test, the pressure shall
be increased at a rate corresponding to a decrease in altitude of approximately 3,000 feet per
minute until the pressure corresponding to the first test point given in table V is reached. The
indicator shall remain at this pressure for at least 5 minutes, but for not more than 15 minutes,
before the test reading is taken. After the reading has been taken, the pressure shall be further
increased at the above rate until the pressure corresponding to the second test point given in
table V is reached. The indicator shall remain at this pressure for at least 1 minute, but for not
more than 10 minutes, before the test reading is taken. After the reading has been taken, the
pressure shall be further increased at the above rate until atmospheric pressure is reached. The
reading of the indicator at either of the two test points shall not differ from the reading of the
indicator for the corresponding altitude in the scale error test by more than the permissible
variation given in table V.

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TABLE V. Hysteresis.
Equivalent Permissible
Standard altitude atmospheric pressure Variation
Test points (feet) (inches Hg) 1 (±feet)
First point 25,000 11.104 300
Second point 20,000 13.750 300
Third point - Ground level 150
1
Aeronautical pressure equivalents are listed from MIL-STD-859.

4.5.4.1 After effect. Not less than 1 minute and not more than 5 minutes after the
completion of the hysteresis test, the pointer shall have returned to its original reading, corrected
for any change in atmospheric pressure, within the tolerance given in table V at the third test
point.

4.5.5 Position error. At normal atmospheric pressure, the indicator shall be held in the
normal operating position, tapped in accordance with 4.4.2, and a reading taken. The procedure
shall be repeated at 90-degree increments as the indicator is rotated 360 degrees about each
horizontal axis. The maximum deviation of the latter readings from the original reading shall not
exceed 200 feet.

4.5.6 Friction. The indicator shall be tested for friction at each of the test points listed in
table VI. The pressure shall be decreased to bring the pointer in approximation to the desired
reading, then held constant while two readings are taken: the first, before the indicator is tapped,
and the second, after the indicator has been tapped. The difference of any two such readings
shall be recorded as friction and shall not exceed the tolerances specified in table VI. This test
may be combined with the test for scale error at room temperature. At the option of the
government inspector, any other points may be tested for compliance with the above test.

TABLE VI. Friction.

Altitude Tolerance
(feet) (±feet)
1,000 200
2,000 200
3,000 200
5,000 200
10,000 200
15,000 200
20,000 300
25,000 300
30,000 300
35,000 400
40,000 500
50,000 700

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4.5.7 Scale error (-55 °C (-67 °F)). For a period of not less than 12 hours prior to this
test, the indicator shall not have been subjected to any test involving operation at other than
atmospheric pressures. The scale error (room temperature) test shall be repeated with the
difference that the temperature of the indicator having been maintained for a 3-hour period prior
to and during the test at -55 °C (-67 °F). The test points shall be those given in table V. The
change in scale errors, of this test from corresponding scale errors in the room temperature test,
shall not exceed the tolerance specified in table IV.

4.5.8 High temperature characteristics. The indicator shall be subjected to a temperature

of 70 ±2 °C (158 ±4 °F) for a period of 3 hours. It shall then be allowed to cool to ambient room
temperature, after which it shall be subjected to, and meet the requirements specified for, case
leakage and scale error (room temperature) tests (see 4.5.2 and 4.5.3).

4.5.9 Vibration error. The indicator shall be tested in accordance with vibration
procedure I, method 514, of MIL-STD-810. While the indicator is being vibrated at frequencies
from 10 to 40 Hz, the range of the pointer oscillation shall not exceed 250 feet and the pointer
variation from its original position shall not exceed 250 feet. While the indicator is being
vibrated at frequencies from 40 to 500 Hz, the range of pointer oscillation shall not exceed
400 feet and the pointer variation from its original position shall not exceed 400 feet.

4.5.10 Overpressure. The indicator shall be subjected to an absolute pressure of

50 inches Hg for a period of 1 hour, and then to ambient atmospheric pressure for the next
6 hours. Immediately following the 6 hours at atmospheric pressure, the scale error (room
temperature) test (see 4.5.3) shall be performed. The scale errors shall not vary from the
previously noted scale errors by more than the allowable variation listed in table VII.

TABLE VII. Allowable overpressure scale error.

Standard altitude Variation
(feet) (±feet)
0 200
5,000 200
10,000 200
20,000 200
25,000 200
30,000 200
35,000 300
40,000 300
45,000 400
50,000 400

4.5.11 Magnetic effect. The indicator shall be placed with its nearest part 6 inches from
the center of an uncompensated short bar magnet compass in a horizontal magnetic field of 13.53
to 15.12 ampere-turns per meter. When the indicator is rotated 360 degrees about its two
horizontal axes at each of the six 90 degree positions about the compass, the compass deflection
shall not exceed 1 degree from its reference position.

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4.5.12 Vibration endurance. The scale error shall be noted at the existing atmospheric
pressure. The instrument shall be subjected to a cyclic vibration endurance test in accordance
with figure 2 and procedure I, method 514, of MIL-STD-810 for a 3-hour period. At the end of
the vibration period, the scale error at atmospheric pressure shall again be noted. The difference
between the reading determined before and that determined after vibration, after correction for
any changes in atmospheric pressure, shall not exceed 100 feet.

FIGURE 2. Vibration testing amplitude-frequency curve.

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4.5.13 High altitude (low temperature). The indicator shall be placed in a chamber and
maintained at a temperature of approximately -65 °C (-85 °F) and a pressure equivalent to
50,000 feet for 4 hours. The indicator shall then be returned to atmospheric pressure and
maintained at a temperature of -65 ±2 °C (-85 ±4 °F) for an additional period of 44 hours. There
shall be no damage that would affect subsequent operation. Upon return to room temperature,
the indicator shall be subjected to and shall meet the requirements of the individual inspection.

4.5.14 Humidity. The indicator mounted with the dial face up shall be tested in
accordance with humidity testing procedure II, method 507, of MIL-STD-810. Within 24 hours
after completion of the test, the indicator shall be subjected to and shall meet the requirements of
the individual inspection.

4.5.15 Fungus resistance. The indicator shall be tested in accordance with fungus testing
method 508 of MIL-STD-810 except that the test period shall be 14 days. Any evidence of fungi
growth shall be cause for rejection.

4.5.16 Salt fog. The indicator shall be tested in accordance with salt fog testing
method 509 of MIL-STD-810. Upon completion of the test, the indicator shall be subjected to
and shall meet the requirements of the individual inspection.

4.5.17 Mounting lugs. The indicator case, with mechanism removed, shall be mounted
face-downward on the movable head of a suitable testing machine with the face of the case in a
horizontal plane so that the mounting lugs receive no added support. A suitable pin shall be
inserted through the hole in the mounting lug and attached to the pull strap. A load of
175 pounds shall be applied along the mounting hole axis toward the front of the case for a
period of 1 minute. Any evidence of fracture shall be cause for rejection.

4.5.18 Internal examination. The case of the indicator shall be opened and the internal
mechanism examined. Any deterioration or damage that could in any manner prevent the
indicator from meeting functional operation during its service life shall be cause for rejection.

5. PACKAGING

5.1 Packaging. For acquisition purposes, the packaging requirements shall be as

specified in the contract or order (see 6.2). When packaging of materiel is to be performed by
DoD or in-house contractor personnel, these personnel need to contact the responsible packaging
activity to ascertain packaging requirements. Packaging requirements are maintained by the
Inventory Control Point's packaging activities within the Military Service or Defense Agency, or
within the military service's system commands. Packaging data retrieval is available from the
managing Military Department's or Defense Agency's automated packaging files, CD-ROM
products, or by contacting the responsible packaging activity.

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6. NOTES

(This section contains information of a general or explanatory nature that may be helpful,
but is not mandatory.)

6.1 Intended use. The indicator covered by this specification is intended for use in
aircraft equipped with pressurized cabins to indicate the air pressure altitude in the cabins.

6.2 Acquisition requirements. Acquisition documents should specify the following:

a. Title, number and date of this specification.

b. Quantity desired.
c. First article inspection, if required (see 3.1 and 4.2.1).
d. Reliability assurance test plan, if required (see 3.6).
e. Waiver or delivery of first article samples (see 4.2.1).
f. Disposition of first article samples (see 4.2.1.1).
g. Reliability assurance testing, if required (see 4.2.2).
h. Sampling plan B sample units, if required (see 4.3.2.2).
i. Packaging requirements (see 5.1).

6.3 Definitions.

6.3.1 Amplitude. For the purposes of this specification, "amplitude" will be interpreted to
mean the extent of motion as measured from the mean position to one extreme position (see 4.4.2).

6.3.2 Good as new. For the purposes of this specification, "good as new" will be
interpreted to mean indicators that have been operated less than 10 percent of their specified MTBF
operation (see 4.3.2).

6.3.3 Refurbished. For the purposes of this specification, "refurbished" will be interpreted
to mean that the indicator has been completely overhauled with all component parts meeting current
parts standards; and the indicator will have been subjected to, and met, all the requirements of a
new indicator (see 4.3.2).

6.4 Subject term (key word) listing.

Aeronaut
After effect
Altimeter
Altitude
Atmospher
Cadmium
Gauge
Hysteresis
MTBF
Scale error

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6.5 Changes from previous issue. Marginal notations are not used in this revision to
identify changes with respect to the previous issue due to the extent of the changes.

Custodians: Preparing Activity:

Air Force - 99 DLA - GS1
DLA - GS
(Project 6685-2011-005)

Review Activity:
Air Force - 71

NOTE: The activities listed above were interested in this document as of the date of this
document. Since organizations and responsibilities can change, you should verify the currency
of the information above using the ASSIST database at https://assist.daps.dla.mil/.

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