Technical note | Mechanical Testing of Helicopter Underslung Load Equipment (HUSLE) Roundslings

Abstract

Following on from preliminary testing in 2013, mechanical testing of the Helicopter Underslung Load Equipment (HUSLE) roundslings was undertaken in support of slung load simulation model development. DST Group conducted tensile and dynamic testing on an expired HUSLE assembly in order to identify the mechanical properties of the roundslings.

Executive Summary

Following on from preliminary testing in 2013, mechanical testing of the Helicopter Underslung Load Equipment (HUSLE) roundslings was undertaken in support of slung load simulation model development. To ensure that the simulation code appropriately replicates the physics of slung load operations, the mechanical properties of the slung load equipment must be included.
DST Group conducted tensile and dynamic testing on an expired HUSLE assembly in order to identify the mechanical properties of the roundslings. Given the tested equipment was unserviceable, the results presented here are considered appropriate for improving the fidelity of the simulation, but cannot be interpreted as suitable for application in an operational context. If data is required for direct application to load clearance activities, destructive testing of a serviceable HUSLE assembly would need to be undertaken.