Netherlands advances engine research with Snecma
CO-OPERATION Snecma and Dutch aero-engine cluster DAEC will meet in February to discuss collaboration that could lead to up to 10 engine research projects worth €10 million ($15 million). DEAC members want to increase their supply of engine parts to Snecma through developments in compressors and components such as seals, blisks and variable stator vanes. DEAC team will propose a range of projects with the goal of starting work this year under European as well as French and Dutch national programmes.
Radar could sharpen Global Hawk's vision
SAFETY Successful testing of a sense-and-avoid anti-collision radar designed originally for general aviation could lead to a US Air Force Research Laboratory contract for further development and potential use on the Northrop Grumman Global Hawk unmanned aircraft. Pennsylvania based-Flight Safety Technologies' Uniorn radar does not require transponders on aircraft and would provide an autonomous sense-and-avoid capability. The two-year AFRL contract would see an airborne prototype demonstration by late 2009.
UK team hunts fatigue in engine composites
CYCLES Fatigue testing of composites is normally carried out at frequencies of around 5Hz, but rotating parts can accumulate up to 109 cycles in a short time and the resulting high-cycle fatigue (HCF) is hard to detect. Now the UK National Composites Network (NCN) and Rolls-Royce are funding research at the University of Bristol into the underlying physics behind HCF damage in composites. Specimens will be tested using an experimental vibration technique, with defects and damage intentionally introduced, says the NCN.
Damage detector keeps aircraft flying
MONITORING To reduce downtime for maintenance checks, Netherlands national aerospace laboratory NLR has tested a damage-detecting structural health monitoring (SHM) system for military aircraft. NLR says the SHM will cut costs and reduce downtime for aircraft grounded for maintenance. A computer automatically collects data from sensors within the structure, which can be read by connecting a laptop to the aircraft. The prototype was tested over seven flights on a BAE Systems Hawk in June-July 2007. Metal and composite specimens were deliberately damaged, mounted in a pod along with the prototype SHM,and subjected to manoeuvres. "The SHM system had no problem detecting the damage," says NLR.
India to create range for UAV testing
The state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is to set up India's first dedicated unmanned air vehicle test facility near Chitradurga, close to Bangalore - home to a large number of Indian defence and aerospace establishments. It is expected to cost Rp8.5 billion ($216 million) and become operational in the next five years. The range is to be involved in development of India's first medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV.
Source: Flight International
