Landing Gear Testing

Testing the landing gear of commercial and military aircraft involves two types of tests. Gear drop testing includes static and fatigue tests designed to ensure landing gear can withstand worst-case landing conditions, and will not fail prematurely during the expected life of the aircraft. These tests focus on replicating very high impact snap-back, as well as taxiing and ground handling conditions.

The second type of test makes sure the landing gear apparatus (doors, locks, retraction and extension systems) performs as expected for the life of the aircraft. These tests focus on smooth, reliable operation from gear up and locked to gear down and locked and everything in between, under a variety of service conditions.

MTS offers unmatched experience and expertise in all manner of aerospace testing, including landing gear testing and many other component testing applications. We provide all the technology needed to conduct these tests accurately, repeatably and efficiently, and we have the unique skills required to design custom systems, integrate equipment and ensure proper setup. Offerings related to landing gear testing include:

• High-performance, fatigue-rated actuators and custom fixturing
• State-of-the-art software that seamlessly integrates control and data acquisition
   channels and is optimized for large channel counts and large amounts of data
• Versatile digital controllers for high-speed, real-time closed loop control, data
   acquisition, function generation and transducer conditioning
• Clean, quiet hydraulic power units