Wing Innovative Feeder Demonstrators (IFeD)
Lead Participant:
AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
Abstract
The ATI funded ‘Wing Design, Manufacture & Assembly’ project which ended in March 2017, delivered technology solutions for a high-rate / high production volume CFRP wing for a single-aisle aircraft, covering the domains of; concept, design, CFRP component manufacture, wing assembly and industrial system concept to TRL4. In order to achieve the exploitation date required by Airbus product strategy, these technologies need to be integrated into an overall wing configuration at TRL 6 before the end of 2021.
This proposal relates to a project which will build upon the above project, and via several groups of trials will provide a large amount of data for physical validation of innovative CFRP wing structure for high-performance / high-production rate wing, taking the candidate technologies from TRL4 to TRL6 in the required timeframe. The scope is coupon & sub-scale manufacturing development trials, leading into manufacturing & assembly of a sub-scale wingbox. This will support & de-risk the major wingbox manufacture, assembly & testing in the other Projects.
‘Wing of the Tomorrow is based around an innovative CFRP wing concept optimised for high aerodynamic and structural performance. Low recurring-cost will be secured via integrated CFRP components and lean industrial system (out-of-autoclave, modular assembly / equipping).
The wing-box will be an integrated component (resulting in significant reduction in drilling and fastening operations) made from formed dry-fibre material infused and cured out-of-autoclave.
As a strategic partner in the programme, Spirit AeroSystems will develop its patented Intelligent Resin Infusion System (IRISTM) technology for the Lower Wing Cover (LWC) from TRL4 (achieved in 2016) to TRL6. Novel manufacturing technologies which maximise integration to reduce assembly-time will be proven, at industrial scale, on a 7 metre intermediate demonstrator in 2018; a stepping stone to full-scale components (17 metre) which will be delivered from 2020.
This proposal relates to a project which will build upon the above project, and via several groups of trials will provide a large amount of data for physical validation of innovative CFRP wing structure for high-performance / high-production rate wing, taking the candidate technologies from TRL4 to TRL6 in the required timeframe. The scope is coupon & sub-scale manufacturing development trials, leading into manufacturing & assembly of a sub-scale wingbox. This will support & de-risk the major wingbox manufacture, assembly & testing in the other Projects.
‘Wing of the Tomorrow is based around an innovative CFRP wing concept optimised for high aerodynamic and structural performance. Low recurring-cost will be secured via integrated CFRP components and lean industrial system (out-of-autoclave, modular assembly / equipping).
The wing-box will be an integrated component (resulting in significant reduction in drilling and fastening operations) made from formed dry-fibre material infused and cured out-of-autoclave.
As a strategic partner in the programme, Spirit AeroSystems will develop its patented Intelligent Resin Infusion System (IRISTM) technology for the Lower Wing Cover (LWC) from TRL4 (achieved in 2016) to TRL6. Novel manufacturing technologies which maximise integration to reduce assembly-time will be proven, at industrial scale, on a 7 metre intermediate demonstrator in 2018; a stepping stone to full-scale components (17 metre) which will be delivered from 2020.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED | £12,085,827 | £ 6,042,914 |
Participant |
||
| SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS (EUROPE) LIMITED | £11,490,348 | £ 5,745,174 |
| INNOVATE UK |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Jaimie Rogers (Project Manager) |