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Technology update
Flexible testing
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GKN Westland's new transmissions test rig.
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GKN Westland's advanced transmission test rig is now on stream. A flexible system, it provides facilities for a range of aircraft types and also allows the company to carry out repair and overhaul. The modular subsystems and pallet-loading features of the 120 ton rig, designed and developed by the company's Transmissions Division, enable development and production testing of two- and three-engine helicopters plus a range of aero engine transmissions. It provides accurate simulation of aircraft operating conditions, and its highly flexible multi-pallet configuration offers fast reconfiguration and load times compared to traditional universal rigs.
GKN Westland pioneered the concept of a pallet-based system. Each gearbox has its own, dedicated pallet. The company regards the flexible rig as a "unique" system, which is based on a closed-loop electrically regenerative system that allows some 85% of the power consumed to be recycled. The rig's main generator, which simulates output load, develops more than 7500 hp. The rig's four ac drive motors can simulate input loads or additional output loads. Each has a capacity of 2600 hp.
WAH-64 helicopter.
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The rig is positioned on a 700-ton seismic slab supported by 25 enormous springs to counter vibration. GKN Westland describes them as being similar to those used to support skyscrapers in earthquake zones. Installation of the rig in a 21500 ft2 building began early last year with a two-phase commissioning program starting last summer using the main gearbox rig for the Westland WAH-64 Apache attack helicopter. The building also houses two smaller test rigs used for helicopter tail and intermediate gearbox testing. GKN Westland is understood to be one of only two companies contracted to test the main gearbox of the advanced technology Apache.
The company has also opened a new assembly facility for the WAH-64 Apache attack helicopter, 67 of which will be supplied to the British Army Air Corps. The first eight of the British order are being built at Boeing's Mesa, AZ, facility. Another 59 will be delivered to Westland as part fuselages for completion and delivery.
Stuart Birch
Aerospace Engineering April 2000
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