SAMPLE TEST PROGRAMFAA Certification for Helicopter Tailboom
To obtain FAA certification for the composite tailboom of a helicopter, Intec designed and conducted a 3-axis Spectrum Fatigue test to demonstrate the structural capability of the tailboom, including the effects of temperature and humidity.
Intec designed and fabricated load introduction and reaction fixturing, applied instrumentation, and performed static and fatigue testing in controlled, elevated-temperature, wet environments.
As part of load introduction fixturing, Intec installed a simulated thruster on the aft end of the tailboom to impart three axis of simultaneous loading.
Intec designed and built a customized conditioning chamber around the tailboom to develop the required environmental conditions. The tailboom was conditioned at 160°F and 85% humidity for thirty days.
Test set-up
Intec conducted six unit load conditions and six combined load static tests to cover the full range of applied loads. The unit load cases were applied to the tailboom prior to testing of the combined load conditions to aid in the verification of the tailboom NASTRAN model. Subsequent to static testing, fatigue testing in a high-temperature environment was performed to three lifetimes.
Conditioning chamber around tail boom
The testing was monitored by FAA representatives on site. The test generated data to show compliance with the following Federal Aviation Regulations (Reference 3): 27.305, 27.307(a), and (b) (6), and 27.605.
Sample Programs
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