Consideration of the Effect of Securing and Traversing Loads on the Fatigue Life of the Kaman Seasprite RAST/ASIST PROBE Installation

To integrate the SH-2G with the Indal Technologies RAST/ASIST systems for embarked operation, an aircraft mounted probe is required. Kaman Aerospace redesigned the lower fuselage of the SH-2G Seasprite to incorporate the retractable probe which is positively engaged, on landing, by a ship-mounted rapid securing device. The system continuously secures the aircraft while on-deck. Consequently, operation of the system in various environmental conditions results in dynamic loading on the probe and the aircraft structure to which it is attached. This paper describes the derivation of the dynamic loading and the course of action adopted for meeting the safe-life fatigue requirements.