We usually associate the concept of a crash test with cars. However, the process of multiple attempts to destroy this or that machine in various ways in order to find out its ultimate strength is applied much more widely. For example, crash testing is an integral part of aircraft testing. And it is no less interesting than the destruction of cars.
1. Maximum simulation of a real flight situation
Interestingly, the crash test of the aircraft takes place long before it is even assembled. It happens like this: in a huge hangar, various elements of the liner are built
- from the landing gear to the tail, as well as the control system. All the mechanisms and technologies located there simulate a real aircraft as closely as possible, and therefore the tests are passed with great accuracy.
2. Indispensability of the wind tunnel during testing
Despite the fact that computer modeling technologies are actively used, including in the design of aircraft, today it is still impossible to replace tests in a wind tunnel. Often, the first tests are carried out in the tunnels of scale models of winged machines, made with the maximum level of detail. The most interesting type of aircraft inspection in a wind tunnel is air blowing. For example, passenger airliners are blown in low-speed tunnels, the flow rate varies within 300 km / h, while other types of aviation can be tested in more powerful pipes.
3. Crash test - not for all types of aircraft
Despite the fact that civil aircraft are tested in a wind tunnel, full-fledged crash tests are not carried out on them. The reason for this trend is purely financial: carrying out such complex inspections costs fabulous money. In addition, a crash test of non-military aircraft, in fact, is not needed, because the load experienced by civilian aircraft is much lower.
Interesting fact: The only certification crash test of a passenger airliner in history took place in December 1984 at Edwards Air Force Base for the Federal Aviation Agency. And then, in this case, it was not even the plane that underwent certification, but only the fuel for it.
4. Checking the brakes is the most spectacular
It would seem that checking the brakes is an everyday matter, even boring. However, with airplanes, the story is exactly the opposite. The process of studying the stopping distance in conditions of emergency braking of liners is accompanied by tens of meters of rubber tracks on the runway and flaming tongues that cover the landing gear. Moreover, if this crash test is carried out according to modern standards, the help of firefighters is not even required to extinguish the flame.
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