arrow_back_ios

Main Menu

arrow_back_ios

Main Menu

arrow_back_ios

Main Menu

Testing ramp noise and durability on Lockheed Martin’s F-35

Lockheed martin, usa

Introduction

Military ground crews face high noise exposure - especially on aircraft carriers - so to protect them, Lockheed Martin characterized the acoustics of different F-35 variants, and tested their durability.

To ensure the high performance of some of the most technologically sophisticated machines ever built, Lockheed Martin turned to Brüel & Kjær, which supplied a complete solution for acoustic characterization. F-35 components and sub-assemblies were tested using vibration test systems, to ensure durability in operation and under stress.

chevron_left
chevron_right

The F-35 is built in three different variants, each with a unique acoustic footprint, so Lockheed Martin’s F-35 programme needed to carry out acoustic testing on each one. In addition to noise challenges, extensive qualification tests were needed for durability testing, stress screening and R&D qualification testing of aircraft components and subassemblies.

The ramp noise was measured and analysed with Brüel & Kjær’s flexible data acquisition hardware and analysis software. To make the most of short testing windows, the system’s facilities for self-test and verification ensured right-first-time data capture, and high data quality for subsequent analysis. For durability testing and quality control, Lockheed Martin put the F-35’s systems through exhaustive vibration test programmes using large V9x water-cooled shakers (V984 and V994) from Brüel & Kjær.

 

Lockheed Martin successfully acquired and analysed a large amount of data for all F-35 variants under different conditions, establishing their various noise footprints. These results are used to inform decisions about ground crew noise protection. In addition, the durability of components and sub-assemblies was assured.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin specialize in defense tech, solving complex challenges, advancing scientific discovery and delivering innovative solutions that help our customers keep people safe.

About Lockheed Martin

Technology Used

Related Case Studies