Technology Update
Detecting fatigue damage
 Positron Systems has demonstrated that its PIPA technology can effectively detect fatigue damage. Click to enlarge |
Positron Systems has demonstrated that its Photon Induced Positron Annihilation (PIPA) technology can effectively detect material fatigue damage buried in 2nd layer materials without disassembly. The testing was completed at Positron Systems' Test and Analysis Center with wing spar samples provided by Sandia National Laboratories' Airworthiness Assurance NDI Validation Center. According to Positron, PIPA represents a significant advancement in nondestructive testing technology. This advancement, the company believes, will enable the aerospace industry to save money, more easily characterize fatigue issues in layered components, improve design standards, and extend the uninterrupted operation of critical components.
During the testing, a wing spar specimen and its exterior surface were analyzed. Damage was known to exist in the 2nd layer around the taper lock fastener holes of the wing spar. Measurements using PIPA technology were taken from the exterior surfaces of both damaged locations and undamaged locations. Significant differences in fatigue values were identified. The varying thickness of the inner titanium layer did not affect the outcome. The results confirmed PIPA's ability to detect buried cracks or high fatigue damage locations that would result in a crack in the 2nd layer of the wing spar from the surface of the aircraft wing.
- Frank Bokulich
Enhanced Rolls-Royce BR710 certified
Rolls-Royce announced that U.S. and European regulatory authorities have certified the latest variant of the Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan, the powerplant for the new extended-range Gulfstream V-SP business jet. Rolls-Royce and Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. signed an agreement in February 2002 for up to 600 BR710 engines for the GV-SP, an estimated worth of $2 billion over the next 10 years, believes the engine maker.
Specified as the BR700-710C4-11, the enhanced engine provides 15,500 lb of takeoff thrust—a 5% increase over the current BR710, which powers the Gulfstream V—and a 2% reduction in specific fuel consumption.
Gulfstream unveiled the first production GV-SP, Serial Number 5001, on June 19, 2002. FAA certification of the GV-SP is expected in the fourth quarter of this year, following completion of the flight test program. The GV-SP offers a range of 6750 nmi at 0.80 Mach, a 250-mi improvement over the GV. This provides an extra margin of performance not only on ultra-long range flights, but also on shorter-range, high-speed missions. The GV-SP is capable of flying 5000 nmi at 0.87 Mach, a 400-mi advantage over the GV and 6000 nmi at 0.85 Mach, a 300-mi advantage.
- Frank Bokulich
Embraer surveillance aircraft receives Brazilian STC
The R-99A and R-99B aircraft manufactured by Embraer for the Brazilian Air Force has received Supplemental Type Certificates from the Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority. Both models are part of the Amazon Surveillance System (SIVAM) project.
The R-99A is an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft equipped with a powerful surveillance radar located on the upper side of the vehicle and is designed for airspace vigilance and patrol. Equipped with a different radar system installed on the underside of the aircraft, the R-99B is used for ground and geological surveys and the tracking of ground moving objects. Both aircraft versions also are equipped with systems monitoring and intelligence of radar and communications transmissions. The two aircraft, reinforced and modified, are derived from the company's ERJ 145 regional jet.
To receive Type Certification, the two models underwent more than 1000 h of flight testing during which they were submitted to extreme conditions. "It is not common for aircraft in this category to pass civilian airworthiness processes, since they are not used to carry passengers," said Luis A. Hernandez Gonzalez, Embraer's Defense Programs Director. "And, despite the modifications that have been made in order to install equipment such as the AEW radar, the SIVAM aircraft have retained the same levels of flight safety as commercial jets."
The Brazilian Air Force already is operating one of the airplanes out of Anápolis and the other from Manaus as part of its process for taking delivery of the aircraft and training the flight crews. With certification, the delivery process for the first SIVAM aircraft has now entered its final phase.
- Frank Bokulich
Unmanned rotorcraft technology
Sikorsky Aircraft Co. and Raytheon Co. have teamed to develop an Unmanned Combat Armed Rotorcraft (UCAR) concept for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The team was recently awarded a trade study agreement from DARPA to develop a conceptual design, substantiate its effectiveness and cost projections, and draw a roadmap for the UCAR program.
Sikorsky will provide low observable combat rotorcraft design and integration experience from its Comanche and Cypher Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). Raytheon will provide advanced sensors, advanced weapon development, unmanned aerial vehicle command and control, and C4ISR integration derived from the experience on Global Hawk, Predator, and Army Airborne Command and Control System (A2C2S).
Also awarded a DARPA contract for the UCAR program was Boeing and Northrop Grumman. After the concept development studies are complete, DARPA will select two contractors for a nine-month preliminary design phase, followed by a system development phase that will yield two prototype vehicles. During the final phase, ending in 2009, the Army will take ownership of the winning system and begin its system design and development, leading to a fielded system in the 2010-2012 timeframe.
- Frank Bokulich
