Efficient Ground Test before first flight of a test aircraft THE GRIPEN 39-7 DEMONSTRATOR

Bengt Karlstrand, Saab AB, Linköping, Sweden
Jennifer Grändås, Saab AB, Linköping, Sweden

Abstract

Planning and performing a test aircraft ground test after a major rebuilding is often time critical and the goal is to have the aircraft airborne as soon as possible.

When performing a test aircraft ground test there is often new electronic systems that have been installed/ updated or major rebuilds on the airframe and main aircraft system, with the result that the documentation and instructions are not correct or misdirected. New or modified systems are mainly handled through Ground Test Descriptions and the ground tests are carried out by test engineers and/or aircraft technicians.

The differences in coordination between ground test of test aircraft and a delivery aircraft are not big, but there are some things to keep in mind.

“Plans are nothing; planning is everything”. (Eisenhower, Dwight D).

“It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time." (Churchill, Winston)

Can aircraft ground tests of new or modified test aircraft performed on a tight time schedule have impact on flight safety?

How can we achieve a safe and more efficient way to do things?

This paper describes a method of planning and teamwork, that made it easier to overcome the challenges in terms of time spent and unexpected problems, without compromising flight and system safety and it will also tell some lessons learned.