Advanced Structural Integrated Demonstrator (ASID)

Reduction in mass, improved performance, sustainable manufacture and reduced manufacturing costs are common goals across all sectors of the Aerospace industry and a number of discreet emerging technologies are well placed to offer suitable advancements. The ASID project (Advanced Structural Integration Demonstrator) will combine a number of these technologies, namely topologically optimised titanium Additive Manufacturing (AM) and advanced thermoplastic composites. Whilst the benefits of the individual technologies are understood, realisation of their true potential is dependent upon their successful integration. To this end, ASID will develop novel methods of integration to provide strong, lightweight structures that reduce the requirement for conventional mechanical fixings. In doing so, ASID will demonstrate a design and manufacturing philosophy that is applicable to both military and civil applications across a range of highly loaded metallic-composite integrated airframe structures.