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The paper presents a theoretical framework for the detection and first-level preliminary identification of potential defects on aero-structure components while employing ultrasonic guided wave based structural health monitoring strategies, systems and tools.

Large-scale aerostructures are commonly constructed using multiple layers of stacked material which are fastened together using mechanical methods.

Despite their advantages, their non-biodegradability raises challenges for the recycling of polymer and composites in particular Composite Repair Engineering Case Studies for U.S. Army Aerostructures The U.S. Army fields a multitude of aircraft mission design series (MDS) developed by several different original equipment manufacturers with varying mission requirements and flight profiles.

In conjunction with a number of supplier partners, Spirit has nearly 20 years’ worth of history and lessons learned regarding drilling and fastening processes performed by mobile industrial robotic systems including several new systems across multiple programs and aerostructure configurations.

This article describes the development of a robotic system for drilling and inspection for small aerostructure manufacturing specifically designed to tackle these requirements. The system comprises three work packages: connection within the digital thread (from concept through to operational metrics including Statistical Process Control), innovative lightweight / low energy drill, and auto tool-change with in-process metrology.

Aerostructures assembly (ASA) is a vital process in any aircraft production phase that integrates individual detail parts, sub-assemblies, major assemblies, components, and systems into a final deliverable, a completed aircraft structure fit for flight. ...ASA depends on highly skilled manual labor work across the global aerospace supply chain for various assembly processes and subprocesses required for assembling detail parts into sub-assemblies and components to achieve the design intent of the load-carrying aerostructure that is airworthy for the complete operational cycle till disposal of an aircraft. ...The 6M enhanced framework is used to create as a process design tool, and the outputs of the research are converted in assessment guidelines, which were validated by a global aerospace accreditation body for its adoption in the aerostructures supply chain. This paper can also be used as a reference guide by ASA engineers to readily identify the factors that can impact any process, ensuring the highest quality and reliable aerostructures products to customers ensuring cost-effective On-Time Delivery (OTD).

Two-day virtual experience will feature live and on-demand discussions on critical issues and latest technologies affecting the aerospace industry

An Aircraft’s assembly process plays a vital part in its design, development and production phases and contributes to about half of the Total cost spent in its entire product lifecycle. Design For Assembly (DFA®) principles have been one of the proven effective methodologies in Automotive and Process industries. Use of DFA® principles have resulted in proactively simplifying and optimizing engineering designs with reduced product costs, and improved efficiencies in product design and performance. Standardization of Assembly guidelines is vital for “Design and Build” and “Build-To-Print” manufacturing supplier organizations. However, Standardizing design methodologies, through use of proven tools like Advanced Product Quality Planning, (APQP) are still in the initial stages in Aerospace part and process design processes.

Externally threaded fasteners such as HI-LOK™, HI-TIGUE™, and HI-LITE™ fasteners are used in Aerospace Industry for their light weight, high strength, and controlled preloaded designs. These pins are offered in a variety of head styles, materials, finishes, and coatings. The pins are easily installed from one side, by one person, and quietly without the conventional riveting noise. In the design specifications of these pins, there is a radius R provided under the head which is to be accounted during manufacturing. The head radius, R comes with a manufacturing tolerance of 0.015 to 0.025 inch for standard sizes of 5/32 inch and 0.020 to 0.030 inch for higher sizes for protruding heads and similarly vary from 0.020 to 0.030 inch for 5/32-inch flush head style. As a general assembly practice, it is essential to deburr the edge of the holes to accommodate the head radius of the pins.

The aging Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport platform is used by numerous countries for military and government logistics. The aircraft first flew in 1954, and in order to stay relevant, Collins Aerospace has developed a Flight2 aftermarket avionic solution to upgrade communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management (CNS/ATM) capabilities. Collins’ latest customer, the Portuguese Air Force, will use Flight2 to upgrade avionics and enable their fleet of C-130H aircraft to communicate in next generation airspace.

Norsk Titanium’s proprietary “Rapid Plasma Deposition” (RPD) additive manufacturing (AM) process is distinguished in the aviation industry for producing complex, titanium structural and safety-critical components for many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). But today, through a partnership with SAE International, Norsk’s RPD process and material requirement specifications are available to a wider, global base of manufacturers.

GKN Aerospace, COMAC subsidiary Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Company (SAMC), and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC International) are establishing a joint venture based in China to manufacture advanced aerostructures for the civil aerospace market, with production scheduled to begin in late 2021 in a new state-of-the-art facility in a location yet to be determined.

The latest engine developer to go this route is Evendale-Ohio-based GE Aviation with the decision to implement Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPEREINCE platform – a collaborative digital environment where engineers conduct and manage product design, analyses, and manufacturing data.

Officials at an as-yet-unnamed airline in the U.S. is assessing a new hydrophobic coating developed by GKN Aerospace materials science and engineering specialists in Garden Grove, Calif., for cockpit windows on its commercial passenger aircraft. GKN Aerospace debuted the new materials science technology, which Airbus engineers are also flight-trialing on the airframe manufacturer’s flight-test aircraft, during Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, England, in July 2018.

GKN Aerospace in Trollhättan, Sweden, are developing and manufacturing the first additive-manufactured, or 3D-printed, rocket engine turbines in Europe, officials say. The tier 1 aerospace supplier is harnessing cutting-edge additive manufacturing (AM) technology to produce two full-scale turbines for the Prometheus reusable rocket engine demonstrator on liquid oxygen and methane propellants, while reducing the number of parts from more than 100 to 2 and cutting costs by 90 percent.

Leonardo, a high-tech aerospace, defense, and security company in Rome, will deliver 28 NH90 medium, twin-engine, multirole military helicopters valued at more than €3 billion to the Ministry of Defense of Qatar, which made an advance payment for the order now booked in the manufacturer’s backlog. NHIndustries – which is owned by Leonardo, Airbus, and Fokker – in Aix-en-Provence, France, manages the program, whereas Leonardo serves as overall prime contractor.

Parker Aerospace and GKN Aerospace sign development agreement for integrated thermal management technologies in next-generation aircraft engines.

Designing a High-Speed Decoy Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Using Thermoplastics in Aerospace Applications In-Flight Real-Time Avionics Adaptation Using Turbine Flow Meters for Aerospace Test and Measurement Applications Communicating from Space: The Front End of Multiscale Modeling Laser-Based System Could Expand Space-to-Ground Communication Hydraulic Testing of Polymer Matrix Composite 102mm Tube Section Research could lead to development of a composite material that can be processed at a low temperature and still be used at 1000°F. Permeation Tests on Polypropylene Fiber Materials Study attempts to determine if polypropylene nanofiber materials can be used in air filtration systems to remove toxic vapors. Inter-Laboratory Combat Helmet Blunt Impact Test Method Comparison Ensuring consistent test methods could reduce the risk of head injuries.

Government and industry in the United Kingdom are partnering to enable cleaner, greener flight through electric and hybrid aircraft, and investing £343 million – the equivalent of roughly $450 million in U.S. currency – in research and development and productivity improvements to transform the future of civil aerospace.