European defence aerospace group also involved in civilian research projects

27th November 2015

By: Keith Campbell

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

  

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European defence aerospace company Airbus Defence & Space (Airbus DS), part of the Airbus group, is involved in research and development (R&D) projects beyond the defence and security realm as well as within it. There are two main non-, or not necessarily, defence and security R&D projects that the company is currently involved in, both under the aegis of the European Union (European Commission) – the green regional aircraft cockpit demon- strator and Clean Sky 2. These were highlighted at the company’s annual Trade Media Briefing (TMB) last month. Both involve cooperation with other companies.

The green regional aircraft cockpit demonstrator project is partially funded by the European Commission. “It’s a new concept of cockpit,” explains Airbus DS Military Aircraft engineering head Miguel Ángel Morell. “It’s to try to reduce the weight.” More precisely, the aim is to reduce the weight of the cockpit by 10% while retaining its strength and improving key functional characteristics, such as its internal dynamic and acoustic behaviour. The project also seeks to incorporate ecoefficient design criteria into the entire life cycle of the cockpit.

Central to this project is the investigation of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRPs) for the manufacture of cockpit structural components. Three different types of CFRPs and CFRP manufacturing processes are being examined. The first is the “one shot” multifunctional co-cure stiffened skin process. The second is the use of the thermoplastic in situ consolidation process to produce integrated components as well as material for “rolltrusion” (the unification of roll-formed metal and extrusion-grade thermoplastic into a single piece – a process developed by US company Quanex Building Products) production of simple shape stiffeners. The third is the use of liquid resin infusion to make both solid laminates and the sandwich primary structure of the cockpit.

The intent is to develop a technology demonstrator cockpit. The programme is on schedule to reach technology readiness level (TRL) 5 during the Clean Sky 2 programme. TRL 5 covers the upper end of technology development and the lower end of technology demonstration. It is often described as being the level of technology validation.)

With regard to Clean Sky 2, “[t]his is probably the most ambitious [civil aeronautical] project in Europe, because, this time, there will be flying demonstrators,” he says. It is the biggest aeronautical technology programme that is funded by the European Union. Airbus DS’s involvement is actually focused on the design of future regional aircraft.

The company’s Clean Sky 2 activities involve no fewer than 26 technology lines. These include the design and manufacture of a wing part in thermoplastics, development of flight controls, anti-icing systems and a satellite communications antenna embedded in the fuselage. Others include the development of multifunctional flaps, advanced ailerons, advanced spoilers and adaptive winglets. Further research areas are the development of a composite wing box and morphing wing leading edges. Improved shock absorption for the under- carriage is also being researched. Further, a new electrical power distribution system is being developed.

In all, Clean Sky 2 will involve the construction of five flying demonstrators, three fixed wing and two helicopters. One of the fixed wing demonstrators will be built by Airbus DS. The company’s twin turboprop C295 military tactical transport aircraft will form the basis for its demonstrator. A C295 will be dismantled and many of its parts replaced by the new parts and systems listed above. It will then be reassembled and flown. “We have to put this aircraft into flight around 2020,” reports Morell.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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