Structural testing makes Saab Aerostructures operations complete

- We are one of few industries in the world that is able to do a complete test of a whole aircraft! As a consequence, this also makes us very good at testing components. People who come to visit us are impressed by our technical capability and competence, says Jan-Åke Bjärkmar, Manager Structural Testing, Saab Aerostructures.

Saab has, for the past 50 years, been performing structural testing in Linköping: fatigue, static and damage tests. Historically, we have worked mostly with Saab’s own projects, now we are expanding and looking for external customers.

- It is important for us to be able to offer a complete structure operation within Saab Aerostructures. That will give us an advantage over our competition, and that is why we are concentrating even more on structural testing, says Pontus Kallén, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Saab Aerostructures.

The greatest need for structural testing is within the aerospace industry. The requirement may be component tests on doors or control surfaces, or even  fatigue tests on a whole aircraft.
- Presently we are working with two fatigue tests: Gripen and Saab 2000, and a component test regarding NATO-pylons for the Gripen, says Jan-Åke Bjärkmar.

The Structural Testing Department has also performed tests for various clients in the aerospace and automotive market.
- With our modern equipment, we are probably capable of testing most components, says Jan-Åke Bjärkmar.

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