NAL (National Aerospace Laboratories) has conducted static tests on the stealth wing flying test bed UAV, known as the SWiFT (Stealth Wing Flying Testbed). These tests are a crucial part of the development process for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and are aimed at ensuring the structural integrity and performance of various components, including the nose landing gear and main landing gear.
Static testing is essential for validating the strength and durability of UAV components under expected operational loads. The primary objectives of these tests include:
To evaluate the performance of components under maximum expected loads without failure NAL conduction multiple limit load tests. To determine the maximum load that a component can withstand before failure occurs NAL conduction multiple ultimate load tests.
NAL conducted deformation assessments to measure how much a component deforms under load, ensuring it remains within acceptable limits for safe operation.
NAL’s Component Level Static Test Facility specializes in such evaluations, conducting comprehensive assessments to meet airworthiness certification standards.
The SWiFT UAV features retractable landing gear systems designed to support the aircraft during take-off and landing. The landing gear must endure significant forces during these phases, making static testing vital. The following aspects are typically evaluated during these tests:
Read- Armenia Wants To Buy Indian Fighter Jets
Material strength was conducted on the landing gear which is often made from advanced materials like carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRP), which provide high strength-to-weight ratios essential for UAV performance.
Impact load analysis tests simulate touchdown scenarios to assess how well the landing gear absorbs impact forces. For instance, studies have shown that various designs can handle specific loads while maintaining safety factors above critical thresholds.
Fatigue life assessment test helps in understanding how repeated loading affects the longevity of the landing gear is crucial. This involves evaluating how materials behave under cyclic loading conditions, which is a common scenario during operations.
The static tests conducted by NAL on the SWiFT UAV’s landing gear are critical for ensuring that these components can withstand operational stresses while maintaining safety and performance standards. The results from these evaluations contribute significantly to advancing India’s capabilities in stealth UAV technology and support the broader goals of self-reliance in defence systems.
Agencies
