Originally Posted by SPM
I would be surprised if the EASA requirements would be that different to FAA requirements.
I have since been informed that the FAA limit is also 1.5, so the A380 wing failed the test for both the US and EU (and presumably, Japan).
However, being within 3% means they will probably be allowed to perform computer modeling tests showing the wing to be within spec and will not have to perform another physical destructive test.
Originally Posted by Flaflyer
Next flight when you see the wing flexing up and down three feet, be comforted by the fact that just before snapping, the tip of the airbus wing was over 24 feet up! Way up past the top of even the giant fuselage. Amazing what aluminum and a little carbon fiber can withstand and still be light enough to fly.
The 777's wings at cruise always look like they are way too high, but I was present at her test and I was amazed at how much they flexed before they finally snapped - at 153% load.