SH-2F Airframe Fatigue Test Plan

Since the U.S. Navy intends to operate the SH-2F helicopter in service past the year 2000, they have presented a contract to Kaman Aerospace Corporation requesting a plan for a fatigue test of a full-scale SH-2F fuselage with the objective of substantiating a 20,000 hour service life for the airframe. Kaman is presently in the preliminary stage of organizing this plan. This paper summarizes the results of past fatigue tests involved with the H-2 fuselage. It also described the basic of the load-time spectrum to be employed in the new test, the form and types of test loads to be applied to simulate flight loads excursions, and the methods to be used to apply and control the test loads. In addition, it discusses the manner in which the test will be conducted in order that the results may be logically interpreted to determine the inspection intervals and possible periodic modifications, or repairs, that may be necessary to achieve the required service life