Test series with QuantumX MX840 and Catman AP
A series of 34 test conditions needed to be met to ensure that the undercarriage could meet and exceed landing forces on military ships, such as frigates, where the combined forces of wind and waves usually make landing more demanding than on land.
These tests had to be carried out on both the front undercarriage – which supports two wheels on the helicopter’s centre line – and the rear undercarriage – which supports a single wheel, situated either side of the main fuselage.
Drop tests, onto both level and sloping surfaces, were carried out at AgustaWestland’s UK headquarters in Yeovil, Somerset, using a purpose-built test rig. The rig was fitted with 12 sensors to capture a variety of signals including gas pressure, oil pressure, ground reaction forces, strut closure, tyre deflection and total distance travelled.
The AW159 Future Lynx helicopter is undergoing tests at AgustaWestland’s headquarters in Yeovil.