The analysis of results of Tu-204SM frequency testing has demonstrated the high reliability of safety methods used by Tupolev against aeroelasticity and shimmy, thus providing the high reliability of the whole liner. The testing has been carried out by specialists of TsAGI with the participation of Tupolev’s flight test and development base in Zhukovsky, the company reports. AEX.ru

The following parts have undergone the testing: airframe, landing gear legs and aircraft control system. The studies have been carried out in order to find out the dangerous effect called flatter, which may simply destruct the aircraft. The possibility of jolting of nose landing gear during takeoff and landing has also been studied. Serious jolting may arise as a result of resonance caused by the work of automatic system of manual control. The analysis of obtained results shows that the strength performance of the new aircraft was pretty solid and it corresponds the calculations of designers», - the head of “Durability” Center of Tupolev, Valery Shunaev, explained.

"In particular, flatter on Tu-204SM may arise only when “the flight speed exceeds the maximum limit by 20%”, - said Shunaev. According to him, it is a high margin. «Western airframers believe that 15% is quite enough for provision of required strength performance», - the specialist noted.