NAVAIR F/A-18E Undergoes Loads Testing at NASA Armstrong

A top view shows the wing loading test configuration and testing area of an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River; Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards; California; for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.

A top view shows the wing loading test configuration and testing area of an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River; Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards; California; for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.

Photographer NASA/Joshua Fisher
Location AFRC
NASA Armstrong Flight Research CenterNASA Armstrong Flight Loads Laboratoryloads testingF A-18ESuper HornetEdwards Air Force BaseCaliforniaNaval Air Systems CommandNAVAIR