Mi-24 Helicopter Full Scale Fatigue Test Concept

This paper presents a general concept of the Full Scale Fatigue Test of the Mi-24 helicopter including the test layout and load distribution, as well as describes the milestones to be achieved. Additionally, some initial work conducted in order to determine both the mass and load distribution in the structure is described. The main goal of the test is to verify the low cycle fatigue life of the helicopter structure (fuselage, tail boom, wings and landing gear). The test will be divided into two main stages at which flight and landing loads will be applied. The authors demonstrate the general test concept, the helicopter’s structure fixture and the arrangement of the hydraulic actuators at both stages in order to achieve representative loads during the test. The proposed concept is based on AFIT’s previous experience in full scale structural testing, available literature and the experience of the test staff.