Defence fatigue testing improves helicopter safety
Fatigue testing technologies developed by Defence scientists will be used on a retired US Navy Seahawk helicopter.
These tests could significantly benefit both military and civilian helicopter operators, transforming the way in which the aircraft are used.
“In a world first, Defence scientists and engineers are developing a full-scale, structural fatigue test rig that can accurately replicate the loads and forces experienced by a helicopter in flight,” said Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne.
“While full-scale fatigue tests are routinely conducted for fixed-wing aircraft, the complex, high-frequency flight loading of helicopters has been particularly challenging to replicate in the laboratory.
“Instead, helicopters are certified using conservative test methods that do not always fully predict the possibility of fleet damage.”
Defence has invested $5 million over the next five years in this project, and is working in collaboration with industry and the US Navy.
“This very promising technology could not have happened without close collaboration between our Defence scientists and local industry,” said Pyne.
“I thank the Australian companies for their involvement in the project, including Nova Systems, Jack Thompson Engineering, Fortburn and Advanced VTOL.
“The trial program, including the building of the innovative test rig and test demonstration, commenced late last year and will continue until 2022.
“The program aims not only to develop the capability to fully test and validate helicopter structures, but also to deliver innovations that may be applied to other areas such as the fatigue testing of fixed-wing aircraft.
“If successful, the technology could represent a considerable commercial opportunity for defence industry in Australia.”
The US Navy has supplied one of its aircraft for the research and has expressed an interest in implementing full-scale fatigue testing of its entire fleet of Romeo Seahawk helicopters.
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