Cold Weather Testing in Aviation and in Our Country

In the aviation industry, safety is considered one of the most critical elements. Although aircraft are designed to withstand various weather conditions, their structural integrity, engine efficiency, and electronic systems are rigorously evaluated under extreme cold weather conditions. These tests are conducted to prevent accidents, injuries, and operational risks, and to maximize flight safety. The objective of the tests is to mitigate adverse conditions on the aircraft and minimize risks.

1. Icing and Snow

• Wing and Fuselage Icing: Icing can form on aircraft surfaces, degrading aerodynamic performance by reducing lift and increasing drag.
• Pitot Tubes and Sensors: Pitot tubes, which measure airspeed, can ice over, leading to inaccurate readings of critical data such as speed and altitude.
• Runway Icing: Iced runways can increase the risk of skidding during takeoff and landing, extending braking distances.

2. Hydraulic and Mechanical Systems

• Hydraulic Fluids: At extremely low temperatures, hydraulic fluids can thicken, impairing the efficient operation of systems.
• Doors and Connection Points: Cold weather can cause metal contraction, potentially leading to component jamming or operational difficulties.

3. Air Traffic Management and Delays

• De-icing Procedures: De-icing operations to prevent aircraft icing require additional time and can cause flight delays.
• Visibility: Snowfall, fog, and icing can reduce visibility, slowing down or canceling operations.
• Wind and Turbulence: Cold air is often accompanied by stronger winds, increasing the risk of turbulence.

4. Cabin Temperature and Passenger Comfort

• Cabin Heating: At extremely low temperatures, cabin heating systems may consume more energy. This must be carefully managed during long flights.
• Pressurization Issues: Sudden temperature changes can cause the aircraft fuselage to expand or contract, placing additional stress on pressurization systems.

Where are cold weather tests conducted?

1. Specialized Test Facilities

Some aviation companies and testing organizations use specialized facilities to conduct low-temperature tests under controlled conditions. In these facilities, temperature, humidity, and icing conditions can be artificially created.

McKinley Climate Laboratory (USA, Florida)

This laboratory, operated by the USA Air Force, is used to test aircraft under extreme cold and hot weather conditions. Aircraft and their systems undergo comprehensive testing at temperatures as low as -65°C.

Airbus Climate Test Center (Germany, Hamburg)

Airbus uses its specialized test center in Hamburg to evaluate the cold weather performance of its aircraft. Here, freezing conditions, icing, and hydraulic system resistance are tested.

2. Tests in Natural Cold Regions

Some airplane manufacturers and airlines prefer to conduct tests in regions with extreme cold weather conditions to simulate real-world environments.

Yellowknife (Canada)

The city of Yellowknife, located in northern Canada, is a frequently used location for extreme cold weather testing. Major manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing such as conduct tests here to evaluate engine start-up, icing, and system durability.

Ivalo Airport (Finland)

Ivalo Airport, located in the northern Finland region of place, is one of the key centers for extreme cold weather testing. Landing and takeoff performance, de-icing systems, and braking tests are primarily conducted here.

Siberia (Russia)

Russia’s Siberian region is frequently chosen to test aircraft engines under extreme cold conditions. The durability of Russian-made aircraft and engines under winter conditions is evaluated here.

Differences in testing methodologies

The choice of testing method in cold weather evaluations depends on the test objective and the factors being assessed. Controlled laboratory tests provide more reliable and repeatable results due to the ability to precisely adjust environmental conditions. This method allows detailed testing of critical components such as icing, hydraulic systems, and fuel lines. However, it may not fully replicate real-world conditions and may not be suitable for large aircraft. Natural cold environment tests, on the other hand, offer advantages in observing how aircraft engines, electronic systems, and mechanical components perform under actual weather conditions. These tests provide realistic scenarios incorporating factors such as wind, snow, and icing. However, since weather conditions cannot be controlled, test durations may be extended and logistics challenges may arise. The optimal approach is to conduct laboratory tests for baseline safety and performance assessments, followed by natural environment tests to verify the aircraft’s durability under real weather conditions. This ensures that safety standards are met and that aircraft operate reliably across diverse climatic conditions, with guarantee confirmed.

Türkiye’s preference for natural environment testing

The T625 GÖKBEY general-purpose helicopter, developed by Turkish Aerospace and Defense Industries (TUSAŞ), was tested under real-world conditions in Kiruna, Sweden.

During these tests, which lasted approximately a moon, the helicopter’s performance and durability at temperatures as low as -30°C were evaluated. Over 600 test scenarios were conducted across a total of 60 flight hours.

Additionally, Türkiye’s electric vehicle TOGG underwent cold weather tests down to -40°C. These tests were conducted to assess the vehicle’s battery performance and overall durability. TOGG’s cold weather tests were carried out at an accredited test center in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. During these tests, vehicle was evaluated under harsh weather conditions reaching -40°C.