The CTA- Aeronautical Technologies Centre has obtained two new contracts with Airbus Germany and Airbus United Kingdom to test components of the superJumbo Airbus A380, with these contracts CTA becomes provider of all the European factories of the European aeronautical manufacturer performing ten packages of tests contracted within the A380 Program. These new programs are a new technological challenge and the introduction of the Basque centre of tests and certifications in the plants of the European constructor in all these countries.

The contract signed with Airbus Germany consists of fatigue tests on the A380 aircraft central flap. The Basque centre will test this component of 8 meters long and 3.5 meters wide, assembled in the wings of the aircraft, under intensive loads that simulate the most critical conditions as a previous step to reach its certification.

The central flap is made by means of a combination of new generation composite materials, reinforced in the critical areas with advanced metallic materials. It will be tested in the Technological Park of Miñano facilities applying the equivalent loads of TWENTY THOUSAND FLIGHTS, during each load cycle are used up to 21 automatic actuators. These load tests performed by means of actuators, simulate not only the aerodynamic load but also the wing torsion too on the specimen.

The project is considered one of the most important tests made at CTA facilities and it is a challenge for the technological centre due to the complexity that the assembly of the structure represents, the logistic capabilities and the tests programming. In order to carry out these tests, CTA has incorporated new technologies, such as the application of a non-contact optical system in order to measure the displacements of the specimen. Thus, by means of a network of adhesive gauges distributed along the surface of the flap, and with the help of videogrammetry with four special cameras will be carried out the dynamic behaviour of this aeronautical component.

At the same time, CTA will carry out the safe-life tests of a main landing gear component of the A380 aircraft for Airbus United Kingdom. This is the first contract between the Basque Foundation company and the English branch of the European manufacturer. With this contract CTA works for the four factory centres of Airbus in Europe (Spain, Germany, France and United Kingdom) being the tenth work for this macro-aircraft able to transport between 550 and 800 passengers).

The safe-life test guarantees the extreme reliability of the most critical components for the safety. CTA will perform high capacity tests, in which will reproduce up to 5 operational lives the internal attachment of the landing gear of this aircraft.

Each simple aeronautical component life must withstand 19,000 flights, so this gear rib component must be tested during 95.000 flights in the facilities of the CTA in Miñano.