General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has finished performance testing of the arresting hook Hold Down Damper (HDD) for its proposed MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueling aircraft for the U.S. Navy.

GA-ASI worked with a team from GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business unit in Helmond, Netherlands. Fokker is scheduled to supply the arresting hook for GA-ASI's bid.

“The tests successfully validated the dynamic simulation model for our HDD for MQ-25,” says David R. Alexander, president, Aircraft Systems, GA-ASI.

“The validation of this model gives us confidence ahead of production and eventual deployment. This is part of our ongoing effort to reduce risk and accelerate capability for the Navy.”

The test simulated dynamic conditions providing performance characteristics of the HDD, such as damping, spring rate and pressure control functionality. GA-ASI says that the test results “validate modeling tools that provide quick reaction capability for completing the design and manufacturing during the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract.”

The model verified important requirements for HDD performance testing with positive results in a variety of areas, including initial bounce, upswing and rebound, and bolter at nominal, cold, and hot operational temperatures. Additionally, the preliminary design also validated construction and manufacturing methods for production use.

GA-ASI notes that validation of damper modeling and construction methods in this test “mitigates technical risks,” and met the goal of lessening the development schedule and cost of arresting hook during the MQ-25 program’s pending EMD phase.