Test demonstrates wing can withstand 4G load

It looks as if Belite has had better luck with their composite wings than Boeing has with the Dreamliner. Granted, the scale's just a bit different, but still. Belite Aircraft has completed a series of tests which statically demonstrated the structural integrity and durability of the aircraft's carbon fiber wing under loads of up to 4Gs.  Conducted at the firm's Wichita, Kansas facilities, the tests subjected a carbon fiber wing to progressively increasing G loads to verify that the carbon fiber wing exceeded the stated specifications of +3.8/-1.5Gs in static testing.  In fact, the wing, which weighs less than 14 pounds, exceeded the stated limits, remaining intact under a 4g load of 1134 pounds. 

James Wiebe, CEO of Belite, directed the test program and noted that, "We wanted to demonstrate the strength carbon fiber can provide at light weights.  It does not behave like any metal.  When highly stressed, metal will begin to deform while still providing strength.  Carbon fiber, on the other hand, will take loads nearly to 100% of strength without permanent deformation.

"We began the testing by conducting a negative G test, placing a 2G load on the wing of our Belite 254.  We proceeded to conduct a positive G test by attaching the wings to another fuselage, inverting it.  Under a load of 3Gs we noted delamination of specific ribs under compressive load, from the bottom of the rib through to the top of the rib.  The Carbon Fiber spars were undamaged.  Consequently we revised the rib design.  After changes, the wing still weighed less than 14 pounds. 

"We then loaded more than 1100 pounds onto the inverted wing panel, which was then supported by sawhorses.  In fact, one of the sawhorse support points failed…but the wing remained intact. 

Netative 2G Test. Photo Courtesy Belite

"After reconfiguration of the test supports, testing was continued.  The wing was loaded again, up to 1134 pounds.  At this point, the deflection at the tip was measured at 2.5 inches.  I think this testing more than verifies that the carbon fiber construction is not only significantly lighter, but can withstand the loads experienced in flight," Wiebe concluded.

Belite is offering both the Belite 254 Classic aircraft and the carbon fiber version of the airplane, the Belite 254, in kit or assembled form. 

FMI: www.beliteaircraft.com, www.jameswiebe.blogspot.com