Experimental methodology for evaluating survivability of an aeronautical construction from composite materials: An overview

This article presents the analysis of the survivability of a heavy transport helicopter tall rotor blade made of composite laminated materials after ballistic damage made by the bullet of 7.9-mm calibre shoulder weapons. Penetrating damages made in the root part of the tail rotor blade spar have been analysed. The test program for the tail rotor helicopter blades has included dynamic testing non-damaged and damaged blades in full scale. On the basis of the results of vibratory testing and fatigue testing, an assessment is made about the vulnerability and the survivability of the helicopter tail rotor blade after ballistic damage made by the bullet of shoulder weapons.