The TESTHEMAS project designed, manufactured and tuned an innovative and smart Test Rig for linear actuators that are capable of conducting synchronised tests on three assemblies of Helicopter linear ElectroMechanical Actuators (HEMAS) while applying different counter loads on them. This functionality was controlled and monitored by means of a local control, command and data monitoring system. On the other hand, the test rig incorporated an adaptation kit able to be inserted in a global test bench simulating an aircraft network called Electrical test Bench (Copper Bird) in such a way that the test rig can be operated remotely including a very versatile data transfer capacity

This actuator test rig was based on a modular, eco-efficient and adaptive concept by integrating easily exchangeable hydraulic and mechanical components with sensors and control strategies that allow automatic and autonomous safe operation that assured optimised lifecycle costs and environmental impacts during HEMAS tests. This innovative concept of actuator test bench meant thus a positive impact on the safety and working conditions of the end users of the Test Bench as well as a reduction in the time and costs associated to testing linear actuators together with an increase in the quality and reliability of said tests.

The TESTHEMAS system was tested and validated at several stages: Virtual validation at model level and final experimental validations of the complete system. These sequential and complementary validations assured thus a reliable, safe and efficient performance of the prototype and provided data for a deep concept evaluation.