STATIC TEST AND FLIGHT TEST OF THE ARMY/BELL ACAP HELICOPTER

The static test of the Army/Bell Advanced Composite Airframe Program (ACAP) Static Test Article has recently been completed and flight testing of the Flight Test Vehicle is now ongoing. This paper discusses the techniques that have been used in testing these two airframes and highlights the special test considerations that have been developed for composite structures during this program. The topics discussed include: (1) Methods of accounting for environmental degradation effects on composite materials in static tests; (2) Application of static test results as verification of structure for safety of flight; and (3) Instrumentation accuracy requirements and difficulties in measuring true strains in nonhomogeneous materials. The paper concludes with philosophies and techniques recommended to be explored for improved test methods in future programs.