General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently completed the full-scale fatigue testing of an MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
Testing was conducted from Dec. 13, 2022 to Dec. 5, 2023, at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research in Wichita, Kan.
The team completed the “first lifetime” of fatigue testing – which is equivalent to 40,000 operating hours – and represents an important step in validating the design of the airframe system. The testing is part of the aircraft certification to the NATO standard STANAG 4671, where the aircraft will be ultimately be tested through three lifetimes, thereby proving the 40,000 hour lifetime of the airframe.
The full-scale fatigue test simulates the aircraft’s design service through the application of repeated structural loading on the assembled airframe. The testing identifies any potential structural deficiencies ahead of fleet usage and assists in developing inspection and maintenance schedules for the airframe. The results of the test will be used as a part of the documentation for certification, as well as form the basis for in-service inspections of structural components.
MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian models, as well as the new Protector RG Mk 1 that is currently being delivered to the U.K. Royal Air Force.
“Full-scale fatigue testing is an integral part of validating the airframe design and a key input to the certification of the airframe prior to going into service,” said Chris Dusseault, Vice President of MQ-9B in Europe. “The completion of the fatigue test builds confidence for our MQ-9B customers that the SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian airframe meets the stringent design rigor and is a mature system at Entry into Service.”
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