Aircraft Bird Strike Testing
Protect your aircraft and passengers with comprehensive bird strike testing (a type of projectile impact testing) that meets all regulatory requirements. Our advanced facilities and expert team deliver precise, efficient testing to help you achieve compliance, minimize risk, and enhance durability. Trust Element’s expertise to keep your aircraft safe in real-world conditions.
What is Bird Strike Testing at Element?
Bird Strike Testing is a type of Projectile Impact testing which assesses the resilience of aircraft components against high-velocity bird impact. It is a critical requirement for regulatory certification and ensures aviation safety. At Element, we provide industry-leading bird strike testing to validate the integrity of materials, windshields, engines, and structural components under realistic strike conditions. With cutting-edge testing methods and expert analysis, we help you meet stringent compliance standards, like FAA and EASA, efficiently.
What Can Element Offer You For Bird Strike Testing?
Key Tests Offered
Key Tests Offered
Element's Bird Strike testing simulates real-world flight scenarios through a combination of test options, including:
- High-speed impact simulation
- Structural integrity assessment
- Component vulnerability analysis
- Design validation testing
- Certification compliance testing
- Direct and indirect lightning testing
- High-Intensity Radiated Field (HIRF) testing
- Altitude testing
- Engineering simulation
- Finite element analysis
- Explosive atmosphere testing.
Components and materials we test
Components and materials we test
Our testing covers a wide range of aircraft components and materials, ensuring compliance and performance. We specialize in:
- Windshields & Transparencies
- Jet & Turboprop Engines
- Composite and Metallic Aircraft Structures
- Radomes & Nacelles
- Leading Edges & Wing Components
Methods And Solutions Offered
Methods And Solutions Offered
We offer a comprehensive testing approach using pneumatic cannon technology with adjustable parameters for multiple impact scenarios. Our advanced methods replicate real-world strike conditions for the most accurate results:
- Gas gun projectile testing
- Controlled high-speed impact simulations
- Computational modeling and stress analysis
- Custom testing solutions based on regulatory needs
Cutting-Edge Equipment We Use
Cutting-Edge Equipment We Use
Our flexible facility enables precise testing configurations while minimizing downtime and costs.
- Pneumatic cannon capable of 8.0-pound projectiles
- Speed testing up to 360 knots
- High-speed video capture at 100K frames per second
- Adjustable impact angle capabilities
- Multiple shot location testing
Our high-speed video technology offers a detailed analysis of bird impacts. This capability aids in developing precise mitigation strategies, enhancing aircraft resilience against bird strikes.
Which Labs Offer This Service
Which Labs Offer This Service
Bird strike testing is offered through our state-of-the-art laboratories in Warwick, UK and Jupiter, US. These advanced facilities combine over 30 years of engineering expertise with cutting edge equipment and specialized capabilities:
- Purpose-built bird strike testing facilities
- Advanced pneumatic cannon systems with multi-angle positioning
- High-speed video capture technology
- Integrated environmental simulation capabilities
- ISO 17025-accredited testing facilities
- Extensive experience serving prime aerospace partners
- A complete suite of complementary aerospace testing services
- Expert engineering support team on-site
Local testing with global certification acceptance.
Complete Testing Integration
Complete Testing Integration
Seamless integration with our full range of aerospace qualification tests, including lightning, HIRF, altitude testing, and engineering simulation – all from one testing provider.
Standards we test to and materials we test
- Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) certification standards
- European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification standards
- Engines and propulsion systems
- Windscreens and window assemblies
- External airframe structures
- Control surfaces
- Navigation equipment
- External sensors and equipment
- Radomes & Nacelles
- Leading Edges & Wing Components
Your Challenges, Our Solutions
Complex testing coordination
Passenger Safety
Reducing Costs & Delays
Reliable Repeatable Results
Element Experts at your service
Why Choose Element
Trusted Aviation Experts
Advanced Testing Capabilities
Global Accredited Laboratories
Comprehensive Compliance Support
30+years of experience
8pound
360 knots
300+aerospace
Frequently asked questions
What regulations apply to Bird Strike Testing?
Testing must meet aviation safety standards such as FAA 14 CFR 25.571, EASA CS 25.571, MIL-STD-810G, and RTCA DO-160, among others.
Where does Element offer Bird Strike Testing?
Element provides Bird Strike Testing across multiple accredited labs worldwide, including Warwick, UK and Jupiter, US. Contact us for details on the nearest facility.
What methods are used for impact testing?
We utilize high-speed gas gun systems, computational modeling, and advanced material analysis to ensure precise and repeatable results.
What is the purpose of Bird Strike Testing?
Bird Strike Testing ensures that aircraft components can withstand high-velocity bird impacts without catastrophic failure, a critical requirement for aviation safety certification.
Combine Bird Strike Testing with Your Other Aerospace Testing Needs
Element offers integrated bird strike testing alongside a range of aerospace product qualification tests, providing comprehensive solutions for your needs. Our other services include – amongst many other options:
- Direct and indirect lightning testing
- High-Intensity Radiated Field (HIRF) testing
- Altitude testing
- Engineering simulation
- Finite element analysis
- Explosive atmosphere testing.
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