Life of Harnesses

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

This was brought up in another post section, but does anyone have a good rule of thumb for how long a 1/2″ tubular Kevlar harness should last? Granted, after each ground testing and/or flight, it should be inspected. But I’ve grounded tested and flown a 60′ and 40′ harness once. I’m going to ground test with it one more time, clean it up so I can really inspect it closely, then fly it again, and after inspection perhaps another time. I’ll have another one onhand from Tim to replace it at any time. Just need some input.

[Warren B. MusselmanModerator]

I have a couple sewn kevlar harnesses that have more than 20 ejection events on them and if I run em through the washing machine, they come out basically looking like new.

W

[Bret PackardParticipant]

I have never had one fail, but I won’t be replacing any of my kevlar harnesses until they either fail or show visible signs of deterioration. Aside from some kind of mechanical damage (ie being cut on some other object), I can’t imagine a rocket outlasting a kevlar cord.

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

Thanks, guys, that’s what I thought and hoped.

[Author]

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