Marshall Aerospace (Hall 4, A13) is due to open officially today what it claims to be the most advanced aircraft fatigue test hangar in Europe.

The hangar will be the site for a full-scale fuselage fatigue test on a C-130K Hercules airframe, both to underwrite the aircraft's safe life and to assist in the maintenance and airworthiness of the type.

The fuselage has been stripped of all non-essential components, undergone a major service and modified to fit into a fatigue rig. Dynamic loads from 31 hydraulic actuators will be applied, with the aim of covering the UK Royal Air Force's C-130K aircraft to a fatigue life equivalent to 30,000h. It is anticipated that the testing will run for three years, with an option to extend the time period if necessary.

Any fatigue or corrosion damage discovered through inspections throughout the test will enable preventative or reactive repairs to be developed for in-service aircraft. The hangar will be opened today by the Duke of York.

Source: Flight Daily News