The manufacture of the parts used vacuum
bag technology and the low cost tooling that becomes practicable when
curing outside the extreme autoclave environment. The wing box was then assembled using fastener free,
impregnated PI joints.
Stephen Grojean, Materials and Process
Engineer, GKN Aerospace explains:
“As an industry we are striving to improve airframe
manufacture by reducing airframe cost and weight. To
achieve these goals we are designing larger, lighter, more integrated aircraft
structures. This programme addresses two of the major challenges we face - overcoming the
limitations
imposed by autoclave curing and proving effective fastener free, joining processes.
The results we have achieved serve as a
technology enabler allowing us to progress to next stage in
composite wing structure and blended wing box manufacture.”
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