FULL-SCALE DYNAMIC CRASH TEST OF A DOUGLAS DC-7 AIRCRAFT

Abstract : The purpose of the test presented in this report was to obtain crash environmental data to study fuel containment and to collect data on the behavior of various components and equipment aboard the aircraft using a DC-7 as the test vehicle. The aircraft was accelerated under its own power by remote control along a monorail nose landing gear guidance system for a distance of 4000 feet, reaching a velocity of 139 knots. At the end of this acceleration run, the aircraft impacted against special designed barriers which removed the landing gear, permitting the aircraft to become airborne until impact with wing and fuselage barriers.