Aircraft Structural Test on Helicopter Airframe

Record Breaking Airframe Structural Test Programme

When a UK-based helicopter manufacturer embarked on the full-scale structural test of a new helicopter variant, they knew they needed to achieve results quickly to satisfy their customer’s programme.

An airframe structural test is a vital prerequisite for flight clearance, subjecting the structure to representative service life conditions in a laboratory environment.

Moog and Savery Hydraulics were approached to collaborate with the customer to create a fully integrated, high-performance test facility using innovative approaches made possible by their product line and engineering expertise.

The Challenge

The challenge was to develop a turnkey testing facility equipped with over 100 servo hydraulic actuators, capable of conducting an extensive programme of structural tests.

Additionally, the facility needed to present test results in a fraction of the time previously required and provide the capability to select specific groups of live actuation channels according to test requirements.

The Solution

Moog and Savery Hydraulics delivered a solution incorporating test controllers, low friction servo actuators and advanced data capture and anaylsis tools helping them achieve greater efficiency, accuracy and flexibility.

The innovative test product family allows faster and more accurate testing, saving the company time and money on its extensive testing schedules.

Additionally, the multiple safety systems integrated into the facility provided the essential protection for their expensive and unique test specimens.

The innovative test product family allows faster and more accurate testing, saving the company time and money on its extensive testing schedules.

Additionally, the multiple safety systems integrated into the facility provided the essential protection for their expensive and unique test specimens.

The Result

The prestigious test facility was installed, commissioned, and ready for use ahead of schedule. In addition, the test reconfiguration time was reduced from months to days, and results were presented to the customer on time. The team received an industry award in recognition of the project’s achievements.

Click here to learn more about the Moog/Savery Test Solution Partnership