Records of major strength tests

Abstract

The strength attained in major strength tests, made over a period of ten years, is given for twenty-four wing systems and ten fuselages. A preliminary analysis is also presented from the standpoints of safety and design efficiency. One third of all the wing systems tested are found to be seriously understrength as originally designed, and it is concluded that wing and fuselage testing for all new types is essential for safety. The majority of understrength aircraft, however, were brought up to the required standard by local strengthening, and it is concluded that this has an important bearing on design efficiency.