Fact Sheet Display

AIRCRAFT IMPACT ON ARNOLD ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX

Arnold Engineering Development Complex is the most advanced and largest complex of flight simulation test facilities in the world. Although no aircraft are stationed at AEDC, the potential for low-flying aircraft, noise or sonic booms does exist.

The 118th Airlift Wing, located in Nashville, Tenn., regularly performs low-altitude flying training missions with its aircraft, the C-130 Hercules. In addition, the unit occasionally uses AEDC's runway.

Other aircraft potentially causing aircraft noise or sonic booms include the F-22 Raptor and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The F-22 is the Air Force's newest fighter aircraft. Since the Lockheed-Martin Corporation develops the aircraft, they must ensure each aircraft undergoes a rigorous flight test program. These tests, which include two supersonic flights, originate from Lockheed-Martin's aircraft manufacturing plant in Marietta, Ga. The supersonic run is flown east to west and results in the aircraft breaking the speed of sound, causing a "sonic boom" on one stretch of the test route. The sonic boom occurs only once, but the sound is dragged from the beginning of the run to the end and is heard throughout Middle Tennessee. To minimize the effect of the "boom" the aircraft flies at a minimum of 43,000 feet or higher, which is over 8 miles up. During every F-22 flight test mission, an F-16 -- assigned to Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. -- chases the aircraft to monitor its performance. Therefore, there are two sonic booms.

Sonic booms on occasion cause minor damage. If you feel a sonic boom has caused damage to your property or if you would like to report a low-flying aircraft, you may contact AEDC Public Affairs at (931) 454-4204. Make sure you have all the details such as the date, time of day the incident occurred, and extent of damage if any was caused.

LANDING GEAR TEST FACILITY

PhotoDashboard

This stockade is one of the few structures still standing on what was once Camp Forrest, a site now occupied by Arnold Air Force Base, headquarters of Arnold Engineering Development Complex. Camp Forrest, located near Tullahoma, Tenn., was one of the Army’s largest training bases during World War II and an active Army post between 1941 and 1946. (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Thornburgh)

Overview

The Landing Gear Test Facility (LGTF) has been a cornerstone of aerospace testing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base since 1942, dedicated to ensuring the reliability and performance of aircraft landing gear systems.

Throughout its history, the LGTF has supported the warfighter by providing critical data to enhance the safety and effectiveness of landing gear, wheels, tires, and brakes, directly contributing to the mission of the United States Department of Defense. In addition to its military focus, the LGTF offers comprehensive testing services to commercial entities, employing world-unique test machines capable of simulating real-life conditions with unparalleled accuracy.

Guided by the core values of Integrity, Service, and Excellence, the LGTF consistently delivers precise and dependable data to both military and commercial partners.

Test Machine Capabilities

 

 Overall System Specifications:

Max Speed: 250 mph
Max Acceleration: 21 ft/s2
Inertial Equivalent: 2,445 - 20,063 lbs.
Max Kinetic Energy: 41,750,000 ft-lbs.
 

South Carriage Specifications:

Max Load: 40,000 lbs.
Max Torque: 375,000 in-lbs.
Max Tire Size: 64 in
 

North Carriage Specifications:

Max Load: 25,000 lbs.
Max Torque: 72,000 in-lbs.
Max Tire Size: 48 in

Overall System Specifications:

Max Speed: 350 mph
Max Acceleration: 24 ft/s2

South Carriage Specifications:

Max Load: 150,000 lbs.
Max Yaw: ± 20°
Max Camber: ± 20°

North Carriage Specifications:

Max Load: 100,000 lbs.

 

Overall System Specifications:

Max Speed: 200 mph
Max Acceleration: 2 ft/s2
Inertial Equivalent: 10,147 - 162,987 lbs.
Max Kinetic Energy: 205,000,000 ft-lbs.

South Carriage Specifications:

Max Load: 301,500 lbs.
Max Brake Torque: 5,800,000 in-lbs.

Overall System Specifications:

Max Speed: 250 mph
Max Acceleration: 16 ft/s2
Max Vertical Load: 150,000 lbs.
Max Yaw: ± 20°
Max Camber: ± 10°

Overall System Specifications:

Max Compressive Load: 3,000,000 lbs.
Max Tension Load: 1,000,000 lbs.
Max Stroke: 60 in
Max Height: 28 ft
Max Width: 10 ft
Platen Size: 60.5 x 96 in

Overall System Specifications:

Max Vertical Load: 75,000 lbs.
Max Side Load: 30,000 lbs.
Max Yaw: ± 90°
Max Camber: ± 10°
Max Tire Size: 56 in.
Table Length: 20 ft.
Max Travel Speed: 3 in/s
Roll Distance: 217 in

 

Overall System Specifications:

Below-grade safety enclosure
Dimensions: 72 x 120 x 126 in.
Water Pressure Limit: 5,000 psi
Rate of Inflation: 10 psi/min

Drop Tower #1

Load Range: 750 - 3,600 lbs.
Wing Lift: 200 - 3,600 lbs.
 

Drop Tower #2

Load Range: 2,000 - 10,300 lbs.
Wing Lift: 200 - 10,300 lbs.
 

Drop Tower #3

Load Range: 6,500 - 50,000 lbs.
Wing Lift: 200 - 35,000 lbs.
 

Drop Tower #4

Load Range: 35,000 - 150,000 lbs.
Wing Lift: 200 - 150,000 lbs.

Load frame that accommodates multiple hydraulic cylinders to provide controlled forcing and operational stresses to test objects in all 6 axes.

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CONTACT US

704 TG/OL-ACL
Landing Gear Test Facility
Area B, Bldg. 31
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
(937) 255-9216
704.tg.olac@us.af.mil

WHERE TO FIND US