Search Results

Electrical characteristics of composite Wiring Integrated Assembly (WIA) chassis’s when subjected to lightning environment are studied. The wiring architecture of the Bell Agusta Tiltrotor civil aircraft designated as Model BA609 includes WIAs that are shielded junction boxes. The WIAs are required to maintain wire bundle shield continuity to ground when exposed to the effects of a lightning event. Test results demonstrate that the composite WIAs having copper and nickel plating can withstand lightning currents up to 20 KA. A description of the WIAs, as well as lightning test procedure and results using waveforms 5A and 5B are presented.

Under Contract No. N00019-93-C-0006 EMD with the Department of the Navy, Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (BHTI) conducted a Manufacturing Process Verification Test as part of the V-22 Engineering Manufacturing Development process. The objective of this test was to develop a “One Step” drilling solution for peck drilling close tolerance holes in V-22 major assemblies. These assemblies consist of Titanium / Graphite / Titanium and Aluminum / Graphite compositions. The V-22 is a graphite / epoxy composite structure that has metal detail parts mechanically attached to the basic structure. Attachment of these detail parts is accomplished with two piece titanium fasteners that require a close tolerance of .003″ per hole. To achieve this tolerance a drill / ream process is currently used.