Together with one hundred invited guests, the fatigue
test on the Airbus A340-600 began officially on 30. October 2001.
Prof. Schwarz explained in his speech the high level technical challenges of  this
test and thanked the members of staff involved for their commitment. He described the closely
defined scheduling of the boundary conditions for the test set-up and the commissioning
of the test facilities and the good cooperation between IABG, its sub-contractor IMA Dresden
and Airbus-Deutschland in Hamburg, which played a crucial role in the success.
One of the highlights of the event was the announcement by the representative of Airbus-Deutschland,
Mr Trötzer, that in principle the decision had already been taken to have the Airbus
A380 tested in Dresden as well. This first public declaration of intent was welcomed with
enthusiastic applause by all those present.
The loads are simulated time-accelerated in the test phase beginning now for the Airbus
A340-600 for about 1 ½ years. These loads are expected during the later airline service
life of about 25 years. The conduct of the test is undertaken in a 3-shift operation on
a 24 hour basis with the aim of simulating 40 000 flights.
 The
aim of these tests is to prove that there are no deficiencies in the aircraft structure
and the aircraft reacts in a damage-tolerant way. The test results are an important part
of the certification of the Airbus A340-600 by civil aviation authorities. The certification
is expected for spring 2002.
For the first time for this test, a new test technique developed by IABG will be used which
enables a considerable reduction in the necessary test time as a result of the increased
test speed, compared to the tests conducted in the past.
Together Staatssekretär (State Secretary) Prof. Zeller of the State of Saxony Ministry
for Economic Affairs and Employment, Mr. Trötzer of Airbus-Deutschalnd, Dr. Hanel of
IMA Dresden and Prof. Schwarz of IABG pressed the start button to start the test. All participants
had then the opportunity to observe the impressive test sequence with deflections at the
wing tips of up to 2.85 meters.
11/28/2001
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