Chellman3.4
Novel Wing Cover Solutions for Commercial Aircraft
T. Crawford, F. Bron, J. C. Ehrstrom, C. Glazebrook, T. Warner
After a period of intense development activity on new aircraft, there is a renewed focus from major OEMs on improved performance derivative aircraft. Such programs typically do not permit major changes in airframe architecture, but still require substantial steps in aircraft operating performance and manufacturing efficiency. Much of the performance steps for single-aisle aircraft will come from improvements in jet engine efficiency and addition of improved winglets. Nevertheless, improvements in structural performance of wing covers will also be valuable, both to compensate for the increased loads that can result from engine and winglet modifications and to enable further weight reductions. Materials choice and condition of supply also directly impact manufacturing efficiency. Alongside sustained activity addressing the long term needs of the aircraft industry, Constellium is developing several types of solutions to address this shorter term need (5 - 10 years to maturity for industrialization). These include new AIRWARE® and advanced 2xxx/7xxx semi-products, design optimizations appropriate to the limited architectural changes possible for derivative aircraft. Examples of these developments will be presented, as well illustrations of their benefits for airframe cost and weight performance.