Saab Aerostructures prepares endurance tests of the crew entrance door for A400M
In November last year, Saab and Airbus signed a contract for development and production of the crew entrance door for the A400M. The work package includes the business unit performing endurance tests on the door. The tests are scheduled to begin during 2006, but preparations are already underway.
“The safety requirements on doors are high. Right now we are developing a technical concept to fulfill the safety requirements. We are also preparing for the best method for implementation of the tests,” says Jan-Åke Bjärkmar, Manager Structural Testing at Saab Aerostructures.
The tests will begin during 2006 and continue for several months. During the test period the door will be opened and closed hundreds of thousands of times. For the most part resources and experience from previous testing of Gripen and the commercial aircraft Saab 340 and Saab 2000 will be used; nevertheless testing of the crew entrance door for the A400M requires much preparation and adaptation.
“The tests, which will be performed at our facilities in Linköping, are a part in the compliance testing of the door. The tests we will perform ensure reliability. In new business undertakings, it is important for us to be able to offer our customers a complete solution, including implementation of structural testing,” explains Jan-Åke Bjärkmar.
The contract with Airbus means that Saab Aerostructures is a risk-sharing supplier in the project. The business unit will be responsible for development and production, as well as aftermarket activities for the crew entrance door on the A400M. The first units will be delivered to Airbus during 2006.
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