In view of the fact that aircraft has frequent line faults, which seriously threatens flight safety and lacks effective means of line fault detection, based on the analysis of traditional cable fault detection and location methods, a more suitable method for fault detection and location of aircraft cables is explored. On the basis of theoretical research, further develops of the software and hardware design of cable fault detection and location system is presented based on improved spread spectrum time domain reflectometry. The testing method and flow chart are put forward and applied to actual aircraft cable testing. The influence of different test conditions on test precision is verified by test experiments of different types of cables. It provides a theoretical reference for aircraft cable fault detection and location, and provides a design idea for further solving the actual aircraft line test requirements.