Model Build in Secure Rigging Bay
The animation shows the ARA reference model (which is used to check the airflow quality in the Transonic Wind Tunnel) being assembled. ARA is able to check all model force and pressure instrumentation during the model build up minimising the wind tunnel installation time, hence reducing costs for the customer.
The assembly sequence is described below:
- The assembly begins with the support sting and internal loads balance (used to measure aerodynamic loads on the model).
- The wings are installed with all the pneumatic tubing from the pressure tappings (tiny holes in the wing surface used to measure air pressure) exposed.
- The instrumentation tray with the pressure measurement modules and inclinometer (used to measure model attitude) is bolted onto the front of the model.
- The pneumatic tubes from the wing pressure tappings are connected to the pressure measurement modules, tidied and secured.
- The nose of the model is installed.
