NRC — Structural Full-scale Aerospace - Testing Facilities
Highlights
This program is a fantastic opportunity for your aerospace business. It offers comprehensive support for your proof-of-concept demonstration and certification needs. You will benefit from state-of-the-art testing facilities that cover static, fatigue, durability, and damage tolerance tests. These facilities can handle everything from entire airframes to subsystems and components. Additionally, you will have access to specialized testing capabilities such as ballistic, environmental, and fire exposure tests.
What You Get:
- Expertise in test definition and management: Tailored test plans and procedures to meet your specific needs.
- Advanced rig design and assembly: Optimized test rigs and environmental chambers for precise testing conditions.
- Comprehensive load spectrum development: Accurate replication of flight loads and strains.
- Cutting-edge instrumentation: Installation of advanced sensors and monitoring technologies.
- Detailed documentation: Thorough test reports and damage assessments.
By participating in this program, you will gain access to over 60 years of experience in full-scale fatigue and static testing. This expertise ensures high-quality, reliable results that can significantly enhance your product development and certification processes. The program is designed to be accessible, making it easier for you to qualify and benefit from these advanced testing services.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- No repayment required.
- No interest rates apply.
Eligible Expenses:
- Research and development costs.
- Equipment and materials directly related to the project.
- Salaries and wages for personnel involved in the project.
- Travel expenses necessary for project execution.
- Subcontracting costs for specialized services.
Ineligible Expenses:
- General operational costs not directly tied to the project.
- Marketing and advertising expenses.
- Office supplies and administrative costs.
- Any expenses incurred before the grant approval date.
Fees:
- No application fees.
- No processing fees.
Qualifications
- Must be a commercial or military client.
- Must require proof-of-concept demonstration and certification needs.
- Must need static, fatigue, durability, or damage tolerance tests.
Must be able to utilize facilities in Ottawa or Almonte, Ontario.
Disqualifications:
- Businesses not involved in aeronautical product development.
- Businesses not requiring government certification requirements.
- Businesses that do not need full-scale testing or related services.
Description
This program offers a great opportunity for your business. You can receive up to $1,000,000 to help with various needs. This money can be used for buying equipment, upgrading your facilities, or other essential business expenses.
Here’s what you can do with the funds:
- Purchase commercial kitchen appliances
- Invest in manufacturing machinery
- Upgrade computers and IT infrastructure
- Renovate your retail space
You can also use up to $150,000 for software or operational costs to keep your business running smoothly.
The federal government guarantees 85% of the loan, providing a safety net for you. You have flexible options to pay back the loan, including choosing between a variable or fixed interest rate, or combining both.
You have up to 15 years to repay the loan, giving you plenty of time to manage your finances effectively. This program is designed to support your business growth and stability.
Program Steps
Gather Necessary Documentation:
- Business registration documents
- Financial statements (balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements)
- Detailed business plan
- Proof of insurance
- Any relevant certifications or licenses
Develop a Test Plan:
- Define the scope and objectives of the testing
- Outline the procedures and methodologies to be used
- Include performance management and quality management protocols
Design the Test Rig:
- Size and optimize the test rig and counterbalance systems
- Select and place actuators and load introduction mechanisms
- Design specialty environmental chambers if needed
Create a Loads Spectrum:
- Develop baseline spectrum definitions
- Define maneuver/mission load cases
- Derive interface and actuator loads to replicate flight loads/strains
Instrument the Test Article:
- Install sensors (strain gauges, load cells, displacement transducers, accelerometers)
- Implement fiber optics technology for SHM purposes
- Characterize strain fields using digital image correlation
Assemble and Commission the Rig:
- Assemble the test rig
- Install the test article
- Conduct pre-test inspections and strain surveys
Conduct Fatigue Testing:
- Perform tests on entire airframes, subsystems, and components
- Use optimization software for high-speed testing with complex load spectra
- Process data for trend and damage monitoring
Perform Static Testing:
- Execute design limit load cases, ultimate load cases, and failure load cases
- Customize data processing as needed
Teardown and Inspect:
- Disassemble and inspect the structure
- Conduct detailed quantitative fractography of damages
Document the Process:
- Develop test specifications and protocols
- Prepare comprehensive test reports including interim and damage reports
Submit the Application:
- Compile all documentation and test plans
- Submit the application through the appropriate channels
Await Review and Approval:
- The NRC will review the application to ensure it meets all criteria
- Be prepared to provide additional information if requested
Finalize Terms and Begin Testing:
- Upon approval, finalize any remaining terms
- Begin the testing process as outlined in your plan