Search Results

This paper describes the results of NASA SBIR Phase I program determining the feasibility of a composite telescopic wing for a roadable aircraft. The project titled “Design and Manufacture of a Deployable Highly Loaded Airfoil Structure” analyzed the claims of the US Patent No.4,824,053 and fabricated a half scale functionality model. The functionality model, consisting of three segments, represents one quarter of a wing. The research effort compiled basic knowledge required to design, produce and certify a composite telescopic wing. Preliminary structural analysis and functionality model show that telescopic principles are practical for deployable highly loaded airfoil structures. Furthermore, this emerging technology has potential for a wide range of applications including Advanced Flying Automobiles (AFA), civil aviation, military air transportation and space exploration.

This paper reviews today's aircraft wing production assembly methodology and technologies as well as innovative ideas for advancing the high-level wing assembly state-of-the-art. Automated wing assembly systems are only being utilized to rivet/fasten first level subassemblies like panels, spars, and ribs. All other high level assembly tasks are performed manually, incurring associated increases in recurring costs due to production inefficiencies, long lead times, expensive rate tooling, and difficult assembly tasks performed inside small wing compartments. Existing assembly methods, process parameters, and the process characteristics of manual, machine, and man/machine systems provide many opportunities for improving wing assembly.