Aircraft Ditching Testing Services

Element's aircraft ditching testing services simulate real-world flight scenarios through:

• Ditching behavior analysis in calm water and waves
• Flotation characteristics assessment
• Emergency exit verification testing
• Safety equipment validation
• Inertia force measurement across multiple axes
• Failure mode simulation testing

Our comprehensive approach covers the entire testing process:

• Test planning
• Model design and manufacture
• Physical testing in calm water and waves
• In-test model adaption to simulate failures
• Assistance in fixed-wing certification for over-water flight
• Production of final test reports

We carry out testing using scale models (normally in the scale range of 1:8 to 1:15) fitted with advanced instrumentation. Our onboard data acquisition system features:

• Up to 30 channels of simultaneous data collection
• High-accuracy acceleration measurement
• Precise angular rotation tracking (pitch, roll, and yaw)
• Accurate pressure monitoring
• Customizable sensor configurations

This setup captures the detailed behavior of the model during water impact and flotation, providing critical insight into real-world aircraft performance.

Our global footprint includes over 270 laboratories. With 8,500 engaged experts, we provide swift, local access to advanced product qualification testing. Find your nearest hub on our Locations Page to leverage our unique capabilities.

As the world’s only commercial provider of fixed-wing aircraft ditching testing, we have nearly 190 years of experience delivering specialized, hands-on engineering guidance. We support major aircraft programs such as COMAC C919, MRJ, and CN-235 with comprehensive FAR Part 25 compliance testing and combined test capabilities for multiple certification requirements. Our unrivaled heritage and proven track record ensure reliable, high-quality results for your aircraft’s over-water flight needs.

In addition to Aircraft Ditching Testing, we offer an extensive range of product qualification solutions for RTCA DO-160 qualification, including environmental simulation, mechanical testing, structural verification, operational performance testing, fluid conveyance, and specialty tests such as hail and bird strike, sand/dust, fuel icing, and combined environmental and operational reliability tests.