General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has completed the performance validation of the arresting hook, Hold Down Damper (HDD), for the US Navy’s proposed MQ-25 unmanned aerial refuelling aircraft.

The company conducted the performance testing in collaboration with a team from GKN Aerospace’s Netherlands-based Fokker business unit, which is committed to delivering the arresting hook as part of GA-ASI’s bid.

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"The tests saw GA-ASI create simulated dynamic conditions to highlight the performance characteristics of the HDD, including damping, spring rate and pressure control functionality."

The tests saw GA-ASI create simulated dynamic conditions to highlight the performance characteristics of the HDD, including damping, spring rate and pressure control functionality.

Results from the test validated the effectiveness of the modelling tools, which are claimed to offer quick reaction capabilities to enable the completion of design and fabrication under the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) contract.

GA-ASI Aircraft Systems president David R Alexander said: “The tests successfully validated the dynamic simulation model for our HDD for MQ-25.

“The validation of this model gives us confidence ahead of production and eventual deployment.

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“This is part of our ongoing effort to reduce risk and accelerate capability for the navy.”

The modelling tools verified several of the HDD’s major performance requirements with positive results for initial bounce, upswing and rebound, and bolter at nominal, cold and hot operational temperatures.

In addition, the preliminary design validated the chosen construction and manufacturing methods for the system’s production.

GA-ASI’s proposed MQ-25 is an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that has been designed to provide the US Navy with the required refuelling capability to extend the combat range of deployed Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Boeing EA-18G Growler and Lockheed Martin F-35C fighter jets.