Applications/ Aeronautics

An innovative aircraft structure with advanced stitched preforms using an RTM process

Winner: Latécoère (France)
Partners: Hexcel (France), Schappe Technics (France), Omega Dms (France), KSL (Germany), Qinetiq (UK), Compose Tools (France) and PPE (France)

 

 

 

 

Latécoère and all its European partners have developed a fully integrated composite architecture for fastener-free pressurized aircraft structures. Larges and complex 3D dry preforms (non-compacting) have been assembled by non-structural and structural stitching technologies. An innovative tooling for large preforms stitching and injection processes (RTM) has been designed and manufactured.

There has been an extensive use of aeronautical-qualified materials (dry fabrics and tape, resin, bronze mesh, fiberglass fabric, threads). Manufacturing processes have been simulated: RTM and injection of 3D, curved, two-directional self-stiffened stitched performs with different permeability levels, thicknesses and fibre volume contents.

Ultrasonic and dimensional inspection methods have been developed and validated. Large-scale automation have been used. Assembly times were reduced by 10 to 15 % with the reduced number of assembly tools and faster assembly Weight and cost savings are also 10 to 15% vs. current composite Corrosion is reduced and there is a lower maintenance.

This project launched mid-2007 and completed mid-2011 involved the management of European partners and suppliers for development and manufacturing activities. This innovative composite door structure can be used on commercial and business aircrafts.



Other finalists in the Aeronautics category
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  •  Pre-stressed composite rod with very high mechanical characteristics presented by Conseil &Technique (France) with its partners Ateca (France), BTS Industrie (France) and SKF Aerospace (France).
  • Ultra-thick laminates to develop and manufacture the so-called side stay fitting (SS/F) presented by EADS Innovation Works (Germany) with its partners Airbus Operations Ltd. (UK), EADS Deutschland GmbH (Germany) and Universität der Bundeswehr München (Germany)
  •  A one-shot fuselage/airframe barrels for helicopters presented by Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Germany) with its partners Prenium Aerotec GmbH (Germany), EADS Innovation Works (Germany) and Airbus (Germany).