Drop Testing Naval Aircraft and the VSD Landing Gear Dynamic Test Facility

Abstract

This paper describes a laboratory facility developed by Vought Systems Division (VSD) of LTV Aerospace Corp. and techniques used to realistically simulate landings of full scale aircraft under precisely controlled conditions. Capabilities are included to evaluate effects of running over deck obstructions during carrier landings or other types of bumps that might be encountered in rough field operations of aircraft. The project provided VSD with the most accurate method known for dynamic simulation of aircraft landings and safe evaluation of the structural adequacy of airframes and landing gear systems for landing loads. Operational characteristics of the facility are predictable and repeatable. A deck obstruction or bump can be repeatedly passed under the landing gear wheel within */2 in. of any preselected point in the stroke of a landing gear strut at any sink speed or landing velocity to 120 knots. Tests performed in the facility have shown that running over a bump can increase both main gear and nose gear loads significantly and can also result in tires being cut and rims bent at lower sink speeds than previously anticipated. Comparison of data shows the laboratory data to be characteristic of flight test data.