- Author
-
Mulville, D.
- Title
- Composite Aircraft Structures.
- Coporate
- Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, DC
- Book or Conf
- Naval Air Systems Command. Composites in Fire Workshop. Volume 2. April 2-4, 1985,
Monterey, CA,
9-9/11 p.,
1985
- Keywords
-
aircraft structures
- Abstract
- Within the past ten years the Navy has incorporated significant amounts of composite structures into fighter/attack aircraft and helicopters. These applications range from less than 1% composites in the F-14 (boron/epoxy stabilizer) to 10% in the F/A-18 and 26% in the AV-8B (graphite/epoxy wing and empennage). The major benefit to the fleet has been a reduction in airframe structural weight, which results in increased range and performance. Additional benefits derived from the use of composite structures are increased fatigue life, reduced corrosion and potentially a reduction in acquisition and life cycle costs. The use of composites has also introduced new problems in the areas of electromagnetic compatibility, supportability including inspection and repair, environmental degradation, thermal response and damage tolerance. these areas are being addressed through research and development programs; however, there are significant requirements for additional research efforts.