GA-ASI concludes testing of HDD for MQ-25
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has concluded performance testing of arresting hook Hold Down Damper (HDD) for its proposed MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueling aircraft for the US Navy, the company announced on 23 July.
GA-ASI worked in collaboration with GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business unit in Helmond, Netherlands, which will supply the arresting hook for the GA-ASI bid.
The test simulated dynamic conditions providing performance characteristics of the HDD, such as damping, spring rate and pressure control functionality. The test results validate modeling tools that provide quick reaction capability for completing the design and manufacturing during the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) contract.
The model verified key requirements for HDD performance testing with positive results for initial bounce, upswing and rebound, and bolter at nominal, cold and hot operational temperatures. The primary design also validated the construction and manufacturing methods for production use.
Validation of damper modeling and construction methods in this test diminishes technical risks and met the goal of reducing the development schedule and cost of arresting hook during the MQ-25 programme’s pending EMD phase.
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