Testing of the Survivability of an Aeronautical Constructions from Composite Materials

This paper presents the analysis of the survivability of a heavy transport helicopter tail rotor blade made of composite laminated materials after ballistic damage made by the bullet of 7.9 mm calibre shoulder weapons. Penetrating damages made in the root part of the tail rotor blade spar have been analyzed. The test program for the tail rotor helicopter blades has included dynamic testing nondamaged and damaged blades in full-scale. Based on the results of vibratory testing and fatigue testing an assessment is made about the vulnerability and the survivability of the helicopter tail rotor blade after ballistic damage made by the bullet of shoulder weapons.