Seats and Cabin Interiors Testing

What Is Seats and Cabin Interiors Testing?

Seats and Cabin Interiors Testing encompasses all evaluations carried out on seating systems, cabin components, and interior materials for aircraft and rail vehicles. These tests ensure that safety, comfort, and compliance requirements are met before installation. As all test results must be documented, certified, and approved by the relevant authorities, it is crucial to partner with an expert provider who understands regulatory standards and can streamline the certification process.

At Applus+ Laboratories, we leverage our extensive expertise and many years of experience to support you from product development through to approval by the authorities. By collaborating closely with your design teams, we identify potential risks at an early stage and propose effective solutions that save you time and resources.

What Seats and Cabin Interiors Testing Do We Offer?

We offer a comprehensive range of Seats and Cabin Interiors Testing services tailored to meet stringent industry regulations (FAR 25, CS 25, ABD0031, DO160, etc.). Below are some key testing areas that we cover:

Materials: Characterisation and quality assurance for different materials: metals, composites, polymers, and coatings.

Endurance and Fatigue Testing: We evaluate durability and performance under repetitive use and stress over time, ensuring that seats and interior components maintain structural integrity throughout their service life.

Static Testing: Static assessments verify the load-bearing capacity of seats, anchorage systems, and other cabin elements. These tests confirm that designs can withstand expected forces during normal operation or emergency situations.

Seat Cushion Testing: We perform seat cushion testing to check fireproof properties, comfort levels, and material durability. This helps ensure passenger safety and comfort in line with regulations such as FAR/CS 25.853.

Fire Protection Testing: Our fire protection testing determines the flammability of materials used in seats and cabin interiors. By adhering to standards like FAR/CS 25.853 and ABD0031, we ensure compliance with strict industry fire-safety regulations.

Visual Testing: Visual inspections assess surface quality, cosmetic requirements, and overall workmanship of seats and cabin interior components. This helps maintain high-quality finishes and detect early signs of damage or defects.

Environmental Simulation in the field of Cabin Interior

Fire Testing

We offer complete material and structural certification for fire testing: flammability, heat resistance, flame spread, fire behaviour, heat release, smoke gas development and smoke gas toxicity.

We also offer full-scale tunnel fire testing.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

State-of-the art capabilities for low and high voltage components

We provide full testing and certification for electrical and electronic products and devices to comply with EMC regulations.

Electrical Testing

Electrical testing during the development phase is an essential part of the overall testing process to ensure that all systems and components meet stringent safety requirements.

We also offer electrical testing to test functionality, switch-on and switch-off capacity, short-circuit tests, heating tests, and insulation tests.

Vibration, Shock and Transportation Testing

Evaluation of the resistance of components to sudden shocks or impacts and vibrations that take place during operation.

We provide vibration and shock testing, including multiaxial vibration testing with optional superimposed climate testing, as well as functional testing before, during, and after vibration testing.

Climate Tests and Protection Tests

Testing the reliability and functionality of components and systems under extreme environmental conditions. We offer combined temperature and humidity testing as well as temperature shock tests to see how cabin interiors products react under different conditions. We also evaluate IP protection with dust chambers, salt sprays, immersion basins, and IP water production tests.

What Are the Advantages of Seats and Cabin Interiors Testing?

Seats and Cabin Interiors testing has an extensive range of benefits:

Enhanced Safety

Rigorous testing ensures that seats and cabin interiors meet strict regulatory and safety requirements, protecting passengers in both everyday use and emergency scenarios.

Long-Term Reliability:

Verifying material durability, fireproof properties, and endurance helps maintain optimum performance over the lifetime of the aircraft or vehicle.

Cost Savings:

Identifying issues early in the design process avoids costly rework or redesigns later on.

Passenger Comfort:

Testing ergonomics and seat design ensures a more comfortable passenger experience, improving overall satisfaction.

Regulatory Compliance:

All necessary approvals and certifications are obtained, guaranteeing that products meet stringent industry requirements.

Why Choose Applus+ Laboratories for Seats and Cabin Interiors Testing?

With our extensive expertise in testing and certification, Applus+ Laboratories offers a world-class service for our clients looking to obtain the relevant certifications and improve their passengers’ experience. We offer:

Extensive Authorisations and Accreditations: Thanks to our AIRBUS qualification, DASSAULT AVIATION qualification, GULFSTREAM qualification, and NADCAP accreditation, we provide testing that meets global standards, including FAR 25, CS 25, ABD0031, and DO160.
Comprehensive Certification Services: We assist with EASA Form 1, Minor Change approval, Major Change/STC approval, Certification programmes, Test plans (Flammability, Mechanical, Static, Dynamic, Environmental testing), and ETSO/TSO approvals.
In-House Expertise: Our team of specialists has a proven track record in Seats and Cabin Interiors Testing, ensuring thorough, reliable assessments for aviation and rail vehicle applications.
Collaborative Approach: We work closely with your design teams from the onset of a project to anticipate potential challenges, offering alternatives that expedite the approval process and reduce overall costs.
Global Reach: With multiple laboratories worldwide, we can support projects of any scope, providing you with consistent, high-quality testing services wherever you need them.

Choose Applus+ Laboratories as your dedicated partner for Seats and Cabin Interiors Testing. We combine technical know-how, state-of-the-art facilities, and global authorisations to help you achieve faster, more cost-effective compliance—ensuring the safety, comfort, and reliability of every seat and interior component.