Structure Tests on the 728-100 Production Prototype have been re-commenced

In the middle of 2000, Fairchild Dornier commissioned IABG as the leading provider of aircraft structure tests with the performance of the qualification test for the newly developed regional jet 728-100.

The operationally ready test facilities were completed by IABG. The test set-up consists of a test frame, which comprises the 26.3 meter long fuselage with the vertical tailplane and the wings measuring 26.7 meters. A hydraulic load unit has been integrated into this, which is designed to introduce loads using about 70 hydraulic cylinders and with about 3 000 metrological channels for data recording.

When Fairchild Dornier had to make its insolvency application shortly after awarding the contract, the tests at IABG were discontinued. IABG, however, left the test set-up in place unchanged. 'This is an example of the firm belief of the suppliers in the 728 programme“, so Werner von Anhalt, responsible for the project at D’Long.

The recommencement of the static <link internal-link internen link im aktuellen>tests is a significant milestone in the continuation of the 728 programme by D’Long, which recently acquired this programme. The tests consist of static load cycles, whereby comprehensive measurements on the structural loading are performed. The static tests are a necessary pre-requisite for the certification of the aircraft for the maiden flight.