Top
performers
42
Fatigue testing
// BEN SAMPSON
JUNE \\ AEROSPACETESTINGINTERNATIONAL.COM
Test engineers have to
push aerobatic and sports
aircraft to their limits to
ensure reliability and
safety during flight
erobatic and sport aircraft
endure some of the most
stressful flying in aviation.
Structural and fatigue testing
for these aircraft is therefore of paramount importance
and engineers strive to ensure they perform optimally
and reliably.
According to the USA’s Airplane Owner and Pilot’s
Association there are 123 light sport aircraft on the
market around the world. The market has seen
innovation recently in lightweight composites, control
systems and engine performance. It has also seen designs
evolve more rapidly, thanks to the increased accessibility
to computer aided design and engineering tools. Sports
aircraft are pushing the envelopes of what is possible in
the air like never before to thrill enthusiast pilots and
entertain crowds at air shows.
Sports and ultra-light aircraft have to be tested to
extremes to ensure they operate as expected in the
conditions they are flown in. As ever in aviation, failure
has catastrophic consequences and engineers try hard to
mitigate the risks in an inherently dangerous endeavour.
/AEROSPACETESTINGINTERNATIONAL.COM