Having the capability to conduct full-scale testing is something that not many aviation manufacturers can afford, which makes the innovative arrangement between NIAR and Hawker Beechcraft a benefit to both industry and academia. NIAR's Full-scale Structural Laboratory is located at the Hawker Beechcraft manufacturing plant in Wichita, Kan. This facility is known as NIAR's Aircraft Structural Testing and Evaluation Center (ASTEC). The center provides structural testing to aircraft manufacturers as well as governmental agencies.

While most analytical tools are unable to predict a structures reaction to loading and environmental conditions, the Full-Scale Structural Testing Lab can assess structural performance and durability by performing full-scale static and fatigue tests. Hawker Beechcraft (formerly Raytheon Aircraft Company) was the lab's launch customer. The lab is currently providing structural testing for Hawker Beechcraft's entire product range, including current work on the Hawker Horizon fatigue and static tests.

With these additional substantial test facilities, NIAR's structural testing and aircraft evaluation capabilities are greatly strengthened. The Institute offers expanded services to leading aviation manufacturers and designers from around the world. The establishment of ASTEC provides a national center for full-scale testing services to the broader aviation community.

This creative arrangement offers the best of both worlds. It retains jobs in Wichita and offers a chance for job growth in the future. Hawker Beechcraft benefits through a strengthened relationship with Wichita State University and reduced fixed costs. It also allows Hawker Beechcraft to concentrate on other aspects of aviation manufacturing, such as design and fabrication.

As additional companies propose and design new aircraft, the Institute is able to offer state-of-the-art testing solutions at an affordable cost with competitive security for proprietary research.

ASTEC Focus Areas:

• Full-Scale and Component Testing (Static, Durability and Damage Tolerance)
• Pressure Cyclic Testing
• Hail Strike Testing
• Drop Tower for Landing Gear Testing
• Coupon Test Lab
• Aircraft and Component Instrumentation Lab
• Tireburst/Explosive Effects