Vertical Drop Test of a Metro III Aircraft
Abstract
A commuter category Fairchild Metro III fuselage and wingbox assembly was subjected to a vertical impact test at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ. The purpose of the test was to measure the structural response of the fuselage, floor, cabin furnishing (including standard and modified seats) and anthropomorphic dummies. The test was conducted to simulate the potentially survivable impact conditions of an actual crash. The airframe was dropped from 11.2 feet and impacted at a velocity of 26.32 feet per second (ft/sec). The test weight simulated an airplane configuration that was approximately 1,450 pounds less than the maximum zero fuel weight (13,100 pounds) of the airplane with a 14,100-pound maximum takeoff weight. Acceleration, load and deflection data were collected throughout the test. Instrumentation were located on the fuselage, floor, seats, and within the anthropomorphic test dummies. The vertical impact test resulted in peak accelerations of gravity (g) ranging from 40g to 60g throughout the airframe. Airplane vertical impact, Drop test, Crashworthiness, Commuter airplane.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA270032
Entities
People
- James E. Newcomb
- Robert J. Mcguire
- William J. Nissley
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration