Keywords
Citation
(2003), "Fuselage fatigue test for the RAF Hercules aircraft", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 75 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2003.12775bab.022
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
Fuselage fatigue test for the RAF Hercules aircraft
Keywords: Marshall Aerospace, Aircraft, Fatigue, Testing
A contract awarded by the RAF C-130 IPT will see Marshall Aerospace undertaking a requirement to fatigue test the fuselage of a C-130 K Hercules aircraft.
A rig will be constructed, and housed in a purpose built hangar, to test the fuselage simulating normal service operations. This means it will include the application of internal pressure (to simulate cabin pressurisation) combined with external mechanical loading (using hydraulic actuators) to simulate both ground and in flight loading conditions.
Specific activities include the design and manufacture of the rig, preparation of an aircraft for use in the test rig, and the installation of the test equipment. Marshall Aerospace will also provide full support for all the systems, all relevant inspections and minor repairs throughout the test, for a period of approximately 3 years.
The data collected from the testing, due to begin in 2004, will be fed back into the maintenance programmes of the RAF C130 K fleet.