UAV power system pipeline performance test
Project name: UAV power system pipeline performance test
Brief introduction: As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) continue to play an increasingly vital role in modern military and defense operations, the need for rigorous structural testing has never been more critical. In high-performance UAV systems, the integrity of the power system pipelines—which transport fuel, hydraulic fluids, and other vital media—directly impacts flight safety, durability, and operational effectiveness.
To address these challenges during the development of a new-generation unmanned combat testing aircraft, Hongdu Aviation Industry Group conducted a series of comprehensive strain and performance tests on the UAV’s power system pipeline. The project, executed over the course of 2011 and 2012, required the careful implementation of cutting-edge data acquisition technology specifically designed to handle large-scale, high-speed, multi-channel measurements effectively and reliably.
For this purpose, Hongdu deployed a total of 64 channels of Dynatronic's DE-944 Dynamic Signal Test and Analysis System and 48 channels of the SE-944 Dynamic Strain Test and Analysis System. These systems were used to monitor real-time strain behavior and dynamic response of the pipelines during the UAV’s full-performance power system tests.
Key test objectives included:
Measuring strain distribution across critical pipeline sections under simulated flight conditions
Identifying potential stress concentrations and fatigue-prone areas
Validating pipeline design against vibration, pressure, and thermal loads
Providing data feedback for design optimization and structural reinforcement
The DE-944 and SE-944 systems ensured synchronized, high-fidelity signal acquisition, enabling engineers to gain a complete understanding of how the pipeline structure behaved under extreme conditions. The insights gained from these tests contributed to improving the structural reliability, safety, and performance of the UAV power system.
This project clearly highlights how advanced measurement technology, when applied effectively and thoughtfully, supports cutting-edge aerospace innovation and ensures that mission-critical systems consistently meet the highest possible standards of resilience and operational readiness.
