Result of metal fatigue on a de Havilland Comet
My picture shows the extent of the destruction caused to a de Havilland Comet aircraft due to metal fatigue, which forced a re-design of the aircraft.
The De Havilland Comet was the first production commercial jet airliner that went into service in 1952. It was a revolutionary design, being sleek, fast - and most importantly, powered by jet engines.
Sadly, within two years (10 January 1954) they started to crash for unknown reasons. The fleet was grounded and extensive tests were carried out. It was found that a phenomenon known as metal fatigue was the cause, which was a new thing in passenger aircraft.
Part of the cause was the square windows and hatches in the aircraft that was a major part of the problem. The aircraft was re-designed, including changing the shape of the windows.
Other aircraft manufacturers also learned from de Havilland's misfortune and to this day square windows are never seen on airliners that use pressurisation.
Seen at the RAF museum, Cosford.
Result of metal fatigue on a de Havilland Comet
My picture shows the extent of the destruction caused to a de Havilland Comet aircraft due to metal fatigue, which forced a re-design of the aircraft.
The De Havilland Comet was the first production commercial jet airliner that went into service in 1952. It was a revolutionary design, being sleek, fast - and most importantly, powered by jet engines.
Sadly, within two years (10 January 1954) they started to crash for unknown reasons. The fleet was grounded and extensive tests were carried out. It was found that a phenomenon known as metal fatigue was the cause, which was a new thing in passenger aircraft.
Part of the cause was the square windows and hatches in the aircraft that was a major part of the problem. The aircraft was re-designed, including changing the shape of the windows.
Other aircraft manufacturers also learned from de Havilland's misfortune and to this day square windows are never seen on airliners that use pressurisation.
Seen at the RAF museum, Cosford.