Korea Aerospace Industries and Lockheed Martin have started static load testing of a T-50 airframe to validate the computerised structural model used in the design of the advanced trainer. The supersonic aircraft is due to fly for the first time later this year.
The T-50 airframe also forms the basis of the A-50 lead-in fighter trainer/light-combat version, and as a result must accommodate additional loads which result from combat manoeuvres.
The test article will have loads applied at 77 locations and deflection will be measured at 66 points and strain at 2,300. The T-50 is being designed for manoeuvres of +8g to -3g.
Source: Flight International
