MICHAEL PHELAN / BIRMINGHAM
Dunlop Aerospace has inaugurated what it claims is the world's first dynamometer capable of fully testing aircraft brakes for the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. The "rolling-road" type device, at Dunlop's Birmingham, UK, facility, can simulate radial loads of up to 68,000kg (150,000lb) and exert a maximum mechanical inertia equivalent to 36,300kg per wheel.
Two flywheels can simulate a ground speed of up to 291kt (540 km/h), and for military testing can accelerate at up to 6.7m/s2 (22ft/s2).
Dunlop Aerospace test facility manager Mick Chave says the machine is unique. "The fully programmable test sequence capability allows a complete flight cycle to be simulated," he says.
"Previously, testing of this scale could only be performed on the aircraft," says Chave, adding "the new dynamometer allows us to perform full rejected take-off testing of A380 wheels, tyres and brakes".
Dunlop has spent £3.5 million ($5.5 million) upgrading the test facilities. Dunlop, with Honeywell Aircraft Landing Systems, is the sole supplier of A380 wheels and brakes.
Source: Flight International
