Test Methodology Establishment of Hydrodynamic Ram Effect on Aircraft Wing Fuel Tank

Aircraft are subject to various hostile environment during maneuvers and are required to have structural survivability from weapon threats. The hydrodynamic ram event, which occurs when a ballistic projectile penetrates an aircraft wing fuel tank, is one of the main factors that can cause catastrophic damage to aircraft structure. Therefore, the assessment and characterization of the hydrodynamic ram effect is necessary for aircraft development. In this paper, stepwise test methods and execution results are presented, using coupon, element, component, and sub-assembly specimens, as a building block approach. For the final validation, a ballistic penetration test was conducted on a real full-wing structure. This test methodology is expected to contribute to the enhancement of the structural survivability.