Modern solutions for Ground Vibration Testing of large aircraft Bart Peeters (1) , Héctor Climent (2) , Raul de Diego (2) , Jesús de Alba (2) , Javier Rodriguez Ahlquist (2) , José Martinez Carreño (2) , Wim Hendricx (1) , Alain Rega (1) , Gonzalo García (3) , Jeroen Deweer (3) , Jan Debille (1) (1) LMS International, Interleuvenlaan 68, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium, bart.peeters@lms.be (2) EADS CASA, Avda. John Lennon s/n 28906 Getafe, Spain (3) Álava Ingenieros, Calle Albasanz 16, 28037 Madrid, Spain ABSTRACT Ground Vibration Testing (GVT) of aircraft is typically performed very late in the development process. Main purpose of the test is to obtain experimental vibration data of the whole aircraft structure for validating and improving its structural dynamic models. Among other things, these models are used to predict the flutter behaviour and carefully plan the safety-critical in-flight tests. Due to the limited availability of the aircraft for a GVT and the fact that multiple configurations need to be tested, an extreme time pressure exists to get the test results. The aim of the paper is to discuss recent hardware and software technology advancements for performing a GVT that are able to realize an important testing and analysis time reduction without compromising the accuracy of the results. The paper will also look at the connection between the GVT and the other components of the development process by indicating how the GVT can be planned using the virtual prototype of the aircraft and how the GVT data analysis results can be used to obtain a highly reliable model for flutter prediction. The presented modern GVT solutions will be illustrated using the recently performed demonstration test on the A310 and certification test on the A330 MRTT. 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 EADS CASA Military Transport Aircraft Division The Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD) of EADS CASA has experience in the design and manufacture of advanced aerostructures. This covers carbon fibre and metallic structures, as well as experience in automation processes (manufacture and assembly). At present it develops and/or produces aerostructures for a range of aeronautical programmes: horizontal stabilizers (A400M, Falcon 7X), flight control surfaces (B-777, B-737, Falcon 7X, A400M, Eurofighter), engine nacelles, fibre placement technology fan cowls (A340-500/600, A380, A318), metallic structures (A380 belly fairing, A318 fan cowls, A320 Section 18, A330/340 central box, and others), leading edges (Airbus), etc. MTAD is producing solutions designed to fit the differing needs of the world’s air forces for tanker/transport aircraft. MTAD has recognised the wide range of mission requirements and offers customised solutions based on two Airbus platforms: the tried-and-tested A310-300 and the A330-200. The MTAD division has the capability to project, build, certify and market complete aircraft. It has a successful line of light and medium military transport aircraft like the C-212 (more than 400 sold), CN-235 (more than 300 sold) and C-295 (more than 60 sold). These products complement the rest of EADS’ portfolio and it has been the reason to establish the heavy military transport A400M Final Assembly Line in the EADS CASA facilities in Seville. In view of its aircraft structural testing responsibility in the certification process of the A330 MRTT and the A400M, MTAD partnered with Álava Ingenieros and LMS International to renew their measurement hardware and software for Ground Vibration Testing (GVT). The new system was deployed and the test teams were trained at