Airframe Testing

All aircraft must undergo a complex, rigorous flight testing and certification programme. Only when fully approved and certified can the aircraft be cleared for service. Part of this testing includes structural static testing of the airframe, including maximum wing bending at full operational loading, spoiler and aileron function testing during maximum wing bend and fatigue tests which examine how the aircraft structure responds to stress over a period of time and during different stages of its operations, from take-off to landing. 

To recreate these conditions a combination of loads is placed on the airframe and typically activated by computer-operated hydraulic jacks. Strain gauged load cells are incorporated to provide load measurement data on the forces being applied that is subsequently used by engineers for analysis and test result generation.

LCM Systems can provide a variety of load cells for airframe testing, many of which include integral amplifiers to provide an output compatible for direct integration with a PC for simple configuration and set up. Below is just a small selection of the types of load cell we supply for this application, but if you can’t see what you are looking for make sure you get in touch, as we are always more than happy to offer advice and assistance.