6 June, 2018: The first BelugaXL has passed the Ground Vibration Test (GVT), a requirement for certification of the aircraft that paves the way towards its first flight in summer 2018.
The aim of this test is to measure the dynamic behaviour of the aircraft and verify theoretical models of various flight conditions, such as manoeuvring, flying in gusty conditions and landing. The test data also helps clear the aircraft’s flight enveloppe.
The GVT of the BelugaXL was carried out by ONERA in collaboration with DLR over eight testing days using several hundreds of external accelerometers while the aircraft was stimulated by external shakers or seismic exciters.
The first of five BelugaXLs will fly in summer 2018 and enter into service next year.