The aim of this study was to investigate the strength degradation of fabric particularly used for air cargo nets. Main focus of the investigation was to compare and evaluate strength degradation of air cargo nets due to their life time and usage. The project was planned to be executed within 15 months, from October 2008 to December 2009 and was divided into three phases. Phase 1 Net acquisition Phase 2 Net testing and analysis Phase 3 Evaluation and Final report In Phase 1, a representative number of nets size M (per NAS 3610 - Rev. 10 [1]: 96" x 125") was purchased including controlled in-service-data. To get a set of representative results, 210 nets of different manufacturers and different in-service-time were tested. According to planned activities the following ranges had to be considered: - Nets of 5 different manufacturers - 2 brand new nets of each manufacturer - 10 nets with service life time 1 year per manufacturer - 10 nets with service life time 2 years per manufacturer - 10 nets with service life time 3 years per manufacturer - 10 repaired nets with service life time 3 year per manufacturer It means that 42 nets of each manufacturer should be tested. Some adaptations for the net acquisition and testing were discussed and agreed. For the net testing in Phase 2 a computer controlled test rig was applied. A test of the complete net is possible at full-scale-size with this test equipment. The advantages of the complete net tests are that all single parts of the nets (lashing lines, reefing hooks, studs, knots) and the interaction of all ropes are considered while testing. The main results of project are the following: - A strength degradation up to 50 % was detected, resulting from the ageing processes during the cargo net use including the influence from handling by the operators . - Most of the tested used nets did not reach the required nominal value according to NAS 3610 Rev. 10. - Additionally, many of the tested new nets did not reach that required value as well. The results show the necessity for such an investigation. Even new nets did not always reach the minimum requirement of the NAS 3610 Rev10. Strength degradations up to 50 % within the permitted in-service life time of the nets are an alarming result. As result of the study, a data base of more than 200 systematically net tests made under full scale tests is now available for the first time world wide. Thus, the study offers a very good base for further decisions concerning testing, certification, rulemaking, approval and standardisation of air cargo nets. First recommendations resulting from test data and their interpretation are presented at the end of this report.