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What happens to prototype aircraft?
These prototypes undergo rigorous testing and are put through all sorts of challenging conditions, including extreme heat and cold. “The plane has been dragged, dropped, soaked, forced to hover, shudder and flutter,” Boeing said of its 747-8 testing.
What is the final test phase of airplane?
The final phase of the military aircraft flight test is the Operational Test (OT). OT is conducted by a government-only test team with the dictate to certify that the aircraft is suitable and effective to carry out the intended mission.
What is functional check of equipment?
Functional testing is critical to the performance of any complex system, as it checks the system against its design documents and specifications to ensure that it performs all of its functions as it should. And, essential to all functional test systems is the ability to collect and process data.
How is the military involved in flight testing?
Since the government is funding the program, it is more involved in the aircraft design and testing from early-on. Often military test pilots and engineers are integrated as part of the manufacturer’s flight test team, even before first flight. The final phase of the military aircraft flight test is the Operational Test (OT).
What happens in the final test of a plane?
The final test involves getting the aircraft wings to snap – this helps find out their breaking point, and ensures it is well beyond the predicted load level. If an aeroplane encounters a flock of geese on its way to warmer climes, it’s not only a bloody encounter for the birds, it is also a major risk for those inside the plane.
How long does an experimental flight test take?
Operation Within Assigned Experimental Flight Test Areas. For example, flight testing in conjunction with an STC modification may require only 1 hour in an assigned flight test area while the initial operation of a prototype jet aircraft or a military surplus jet aircraft may require 20 or more hours before the requirements of FAR 91.319(b)…
How are parameters transmitted during a flight test?
During selected phases of flight test, especially during early development of a new aircraft, many parameters are transmitted to the ground during the flight and monitored by flight test and test support engineers, or stored for subsequent data analysis.