Tornado ADMAFT

Engineering Internal Supply (S+DT) have completed a two year programme to up-grade the ADVMAFT (ADV Major Aircraft Fatigue Test) Facility, which after a very difficult commissioning is now running again. The ADMAFT team are once again accruing Fatigue Index data which will be used by Structural Engineers to provide clearances in direct support of frontline operational aircraft.

The ADMAFT facility applies controlled loads to a “Test Article”, which is actually a complete Tornado aircraft, and monitors effect on the airframe. These loads are designed to simulate the stresses and strains experienced during various flight profiles including take-off and landing.      

The comprehensive upgrade encompassed every part of the facility including; Replacement of the Dome (Bubble) fabric, hydraulic systems, air Systems, electrical supplies, Control and Data Acquisition System as well as walkways and staging.

Despite an eleventh hour delay caused by complex technical issues during commissioning, the team can be proud of their professionalism and commitment which has been demonstrated through-out. Steve Millward, Tornado UK MD expressed his personal thanks to the team and recognised a superb team effort across EIS, the Tornado Project, Facilities Management and the main vendors.

The aim now is to realise every opportunity to gather data as quickly as possible which will be of direct benefit to the capability of our Frontline colleagues.