Abstract: Described herein are aircraft, comprising rear spar integration assemblies, and methods of manufacturing these aircraft. Specifically, an aircraft comprises a keel beam and a center wing box, comprising a rear spar. The rear spar is attached to the keel beam using a rear spar integration assembly. The assembly comprises a rear spar stiffener, attached to the rear spar, and having a stiffener load axis. The assembly also comprises and a keel beam fitting, attached to the keel beam, and having a fitting load axis. The rear spar stiffener is also attached to the keel beam fitting, e.g., using splice plates. More specifically, the fitting load axis is offset relative to the stiffener load axis along the primary axis of the aircraft. This offset is designed to compensate for a bending moment at the keel beam-rear spar interface, which allows reducing the size and/or the number of fasteners needed.

Abstract: An aircraft including two main landing gears and also a main landing gear bay configured to house, on either side of a vertical median plane, the two main landing gears in a retracted position, the main landing gear bay including a rear transverse wall, a front transverse wall and also an end wall that is approximately perpendicular to the rear and front transverse walls. The main landing gear bay includes at least one strut connecting the rear or front transverse wall and the end wall, approximately positioned in the vertical median plane.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing the trailing edge ribs and the bearing ribs of trailing edges of aircraft lifting surfaces, in which the trailing edge ribs and the bearing ribs are made by joining simple C-shaped parts and/or simple L-shaped parts so as to obtain the final trailing edge ribs and bearing ribs. The manufacturing of the simple C-shaped parts uses the same tooling both for the trailing edge ribs and the bearing ribs, and the manufacturing of the simple L-shaped parts uses the same tooling both for the trailing edge ribs and the bearing ribs.

Abstract: In order to integrate an aerodynamic box without a solid shim, a spar joint is provided. The spar joint comprises a first spar having a first spar contact surface and a second spar having a second spar contact surface. When the first and second spars are fixed to each other, the first and second contact surfaces engage each other in a manner forming a contact plane. The first and second contact surfaces are inclined such that a first imaginary plane that is an extension of the contact plane in a chordwise direction forms at least one intersection with a second imaginary plane that is originating from a chordwise extremal end of an aerodynamic skin. The spar joint is used in aerodynamic boxes, such as flap boxes and TE boxes. The spar joint is also used in airfoil profiles.

Abstract: A wing for use in a flapping wing aircraft, having a strut assembly including a main strut and a plurality of support struts each oriented at an angular interval between 30 degrees and 90 degrees with respect to the support strut, at least a section of the support struts having a front section, a connecting section adjacent thereto, and a rear section adjacent thereto, and wherein each of said support struts is secured to said main strut by said connecting section, and further having a group of planking members made of a resilient and dimensionally stable sheet material and connected to said strut assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure defines a morphing airfoil having a dynamic flexible anisotropic skin system that is capable of carrying high level aerodynamic (or fluid) pressure loads over a structural surface. The structural surface can morph and bend in response to control inputs to change a lift force without separate movable control surfaces. The anisotropic skin is attached to underlying active and compliant structures. A control system causes the underlying support structure to move to a desired location which in turn causes the skin to bend and/or flex without exceeding a stress threshold and thus vary the lift profile along a span of the airfoil.

Abstract: A split-flap wing assembly having a wing with a flap frame, a flap having a lateral pivot axis, and one, two or more flap sweep members having a forward end attached at a hinge in a forward end of the flap frame of the wing, and a rearward end attached pivotally to a flap hinge of the flap along the lateral pivot axis. The flap sweep members are pivotable at the forward end from a neutral sweep position within the flap frame, to a deployment angle at which the rearward end of the flap sweep members are farther away from the wing's camber line, to form a slot between the flap frame and a forward edge of the flap that allows airflow from along the lower surface of the wing to flow through the slot and to the interior surface of the flap.

Abstract: An airfoil body for an aircraft extending from an inner end to an outer end, and between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The airfoil body comprises an internal structure and an airfoil skin covering the internal structure. The skin has a pressure side and a suction side, and the suction side includes a light transmitting portion. The internal structure includes an array of transduce elements attached to a planar sheet with the airfoil body. The present disclosure further relates to wings and aerial vehicles.

Abstract: Pressure decks, aircraft that incorporate the pressure decks, and methods of manufacturing the pressure decks, where the pressure decks include a planar center deck section configured to be attached to a keel beam of the aircraft and a pair of diagonal deck panels each extending inwardly and downwardly from a front wing spar to the planar center deck section. The pressure deck attaches the front wing spar to the keel beam at positions selected to minimize deflection stresses on the pressure deck exerted by relative movement between the front wing spar and the keel beam.

Abstract: A bridging structure for a deforming foil, such as a morphing wing, that provides a fluid-dynamic surface throughout foil deformation that forms a curved fluid-dynamic surface with a relatively low drag. A high extent of foil deformation can be provided, with lower actuation force, providing a fluid-dynamic surface with a simple or complex curve in one direction, by providing a set of rail-mounted members that are joined at one end to a deforming sheet. By coupling the members with high elongation, resilient bodies, adjacent members can support each other, while permitting extension, and accommodating curvature.

Abstract: A fuel tank dam comprises a first section, a second section, a third section, and a flange section. The first section can be fixed to a first structural component, and the second section can be fixed to a second structural component. The third section has a bellows comprising a plurality of folded sections and is disposed between the first section and the second section. The flange section extends along an outer plate at least from an edge section of the third section and can be fixed to the outer plate.

Abstract: A split-flap wing assembly having a wing with a flap frame, a flap having a lateral pivot axis, and one, two or more flap sweep members having a forward end attached at a hinge in a forward end of the flap frame of the wing, and a rearward end attached pivotally to a flap hinge of the flap along the lateral pivot axis. The flap sweep members are pivotable at the forward end from a neutral sweep position within the flap frame, to a deployment angle at which the rearward end of the flap sweep members are farther away from the wing's camber line, to form a slot between the flap frame and a forward edge of the flap that allows airflow from along the lower surface of the wing to flow through the slot and to the interior surface of the flap.

Abstract: A wing includes an upper wing skin, a lower wing skin, and a wing rib positioned between the upper wing skin and the lower wing skin. The wing rib includes: a corrugated composite web comprising a wave pattern and a first fitting coupling said corrugated composite web with one of said upper wing skin and said lower wing skin.

Abstract: A T-tail joint assembly is described that is used to mechanically couple a left and right horizontal stabilizer to a vertical stabilizer. In one embodiment, the T-tail joint assembly comprises a plurality of lower rib chord members, each having a first base member, a first fin projecting from a first surface of the first base member, notches in the first fin proximate to ends of the first base member, and attachment members projecting from a second surface of the first base member that opposes the first surface. The T-tail joint assembly further comprises a plurality of upper rib chord member, each having a second base member, a second fin projecting from a surface of the second base member, and notches in the second fin proximate to ends of the second base member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a bulkhead unit, a method of installing a bulkhead unit, a bulkhead, a bulkhead unit and a wind turbine blade. The bulkhead is manufactured by vacuum forming or rotational moulding and has a set of predetermined openings formed during manufacturing. Various additional elements are pre-mounted or pre-integrated into the bulkhead before installation of the bulkhead unit. This pre-assembled unit can then be positioned inside the blade root section and connected to the blade section.

Abstract: An aerodynamic profile including a skin defining the outer surface of the aerodynamic profile, a leading edge, a trailing edge and a central portion representing at least 50% of the chord of the profile. The profile includes a hollow core of composite material reinforced with a textile having unidirectional fibers. The hollow core has, in cross section, an oblong shape that is rounded, in particular at each of its ends. The skin bears against the hollow core over the length of the central portion of the aerodynamic profile, both on the pressure side and on the suction side of the profile. The reinforcement with a textile having unidirectional fibers permits an ideal orientation of reinforcing fibers in order to optimize mechanical properties in certain directions. The shape of the hollow core, elongate along the chord of the profile and rounded, lends it great resistance to deformation.

Abstract: A structure includes a skin and a foam member. The foam member has a molded contour, the mold contour being configured to provide tooled surface for the skin. When the skin is a composite skin, the foam member provides support for the skin so that the skin can be cured under heat and pressure. A method of making the foam member for a foam stiffened structure includes creating a mold having an interior cavity which resembles a desired shape the foam member. A subsequent step involves introducing a foam mixture into the mold. Next, the foam mixture is allowed to polymerize so as to expand and distribute within the cavity of the mold. The method further includes selectively controlling a density of the foam member in the mold. The foam member is at least partially cured. The foam member is assembled with a skin to produce the foam stiffened structure.

Abstract: An inertia weight assembly positionable within a receiving portion of a rotor blade for use on a rotorcraft. The inertia weight assembly includes a weighted core and a casing having a closed outboard end and forming a cavity. The weighted core is disposed in the cavity such that the casing at least partially encloses the weighted core. The weighted core is formed from a first material and the casing is formed from a second material that is dissimilar to the first material. The casing provides an interface between the weighted core and the receiving portion of the rotor blade. The second material is more bondable to the receiving portion of the rotor blade than the first material.

Abstract: A leading edge skin panel for an aerodynamic structure of an aircraft. The skin panel includes attachment components for attaching the leading edge skin panel to the structure. A primary attachment component is configured to substantially prevent spanwise relative movement between the leading edge skin panel and the structure. The remaining attachment component are configured to permit a predetermined amount of spanwise relative movement between the leading edge skin panel and the structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a fan blade for a gas turbine engine, the method comprising: providing a root insert comprising quasi-isotropic short fibre reinforced resin, providing a first sub-laminate of a fibre-reinforcement pre-form for the fan blade on a first mould surface, placing the root insert on the first sub-laminate at a position corresponding to a root of the fan blade, providing a second sub-laminate of the pre-form over the root insert and the first-sub-laminate, so that the root insert is at an intermediate position between the first and second sub-laminates; and applying heat and pressure to form the pre-form.

Abstract: An flow body comprises a curved suction skin having a first perforation, a leading edge and two skin sections extending therefrom, wherein each skin section has an outer end facing away from the leading edge, an interior suction duct having a second perforation and extending through an inside of the curved suction skin in a distance from the leading edge, and two sidewall members, connected to the outer ends, wherein the sidewall members are made of a composite material. The suction skin comprises a profiled contour shape, which determines a pressure distribution over at least one of the two skin sections when air flows over the curved suction skin, wherein the pressure distribution comprises a stagnation point, a suction peak and a subsequent local pressure maximum downstream of the suction peak, wherein the first perforation extends from a stagnation point on the suction skin to the local pressure maximum.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor, a combustor fluidly connected to the compressor via a flow path, and a turbine fluidly connected to the combustor via the flow path. At least one multi-piece structure is disposed within the flow path such that the multi-piece structure at least partially radially spans the flow path. The at least one multi-piece structure includes a fore portion defining a leading edge, a consumable aft portion defining a trailing edge, a pressure surface at least partially defined by a first surface of the fore portion and a first surface of the consumable aft portion, and a suction surface at least partially defined by a second surface of the fore portion and a second surface of the consumable aft portion.

Abstract: A composite structure comprises stacked sets of laminated fiber reinforced resin plies and metal sheets. Edges of the resin plies and metal sheets are interleaved to form a composite-to-metal joint connecting the resin plies with the metal sheets.

Abstract: Aircraft, aircraft wings and associated shear ties are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first panel coupled to a second panel to define a wing box; a rib disposed chordwise within the wing box; and a stringer disposed spanwise within the wing box immediately adjacent at least one of the first panel or the second panel, the rib including a shear tie including first and second legs extending in opposite directions, the first and second legs to be coupled to at least one of the first panel, the second panel, or the stringer.

Abstract: An aircraft joint includes a first component having an outer aerodynamic surface and an inner surface, a second component having an outer aerodynamic surface and an inner surface, and a strap assembly bridging between the inner surfaces of the first and second components. The strap assembly has a first strap part attached to the inner surface of the first component, a second strap part attached to the inner surface of the second component, and a third strap part received in the first and second strap parts in a sliding manner. The third strap part when received in the first and second strap parts constrains movement of the first component relative to the second component in a direction normal to the outer aerodynamic surfaces of the first and second components in the vicinity of the strap assembly.

Abstract: Avionic display systems and methods are provided for generating avionic displays, which include symbology and other graphics pertaining to forecast overpressure events, which are forecast to occur during supersonic aircraft flight. In various embodiments, the avionic display system includes a display device on which an avionic display is produced. A controller architecture is operably coupled to the display device. Storage media contains computer-readable code or instructions that, when executed by the controller architecture, cause the avionic display system to determine whether an overpressure event is forecast to occur due to the predicted future occurrence of a sonic boom, which has a magnitude exceeding a boom tolerance threshold. When the controller architecture determines that an overpressure event is forecast to occur, the avionic display system further generates symbology on the avionic display indicative of or visually signifying the forecast overpressure event.

Abstract: Methods for forming rotor blades, rotor blade mold assemblies, and cores for rotor blade mold assemblies are disclosed. A method includes providing a first shell substrate on a first mold, providing a generally hollow core on the first shell substrate, providing a second shell substrate on the generally hollow core, and providing a second mold on the second shell substrate. The method further includes flowing a resin into a mold interior defined between the first mold and the second mold.

Abstract: An aerodynamic structure incorporated in an aircraft control surface provides a spar extending along at least a portion of the control surface in a direction and the spar includes a plurality of bends along the direction of extension along the control surface to provide space to accommodate actuator fittings or other structural or operational requirements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tiltrotor wing structure including providing a spar mold having a plurality of bores extending from an exterior surface of the mold to an interior surface of the mold, the plurality of bores corresponding to a plurality of primary coordination holes in a spar member, the spar mold having a periphery defined by a top edge, a bottom edge and outboard ends; selecting a plurality of resin impregnated plies to ensure that the plies continuously extend beyond the periphery of the spar mold; laying the plies in the spar mold; curing the plies in the mold to form a cured spar member that extends beyond the periphery of the spar mold; and accurately drilling a plurality of primary coordination holes in the cured spar member in the spar mold using a tool positioned in the plurality of bores.

Abstract: An aerodynamic control surface including an upper panel having an upper panel aft end portion, a lower panel having a lower panel aft end portion, mechanical fasteners connecting the upper panel aft end portion to the lower panel aft end portion, and a fairing having a fairing forward end portion and a fairing aft end portion, wherein the fairing forward end portion is connected to either the upper panel or the lower panel, and wherein the fairing aft end portion is connected to the other of the upper panel or the lower panel.

Abstract: A leading edge section with laminar flow control includes: a perforated outer skin, a perforated inner skin, and a plurality of suction chambers formed between the outer skin and the inner skin. The leading edge section includes a plurality of stringers span-wise arranged at the leading edge section, and integrally formed with the outer skin, such that the inner skin is joined to the stringers. A method for manufacturing a leading edge section integrating a laminar flow control system is described, wherein a perforated inner skin is joined with a perforated outer skin having a plurality of stringers integrally formed with the outer skin, such that suction chambers are defined by a part of the outer skin, a part of the inner skin and a pair of stringers.

Abstract: Aerodynamic drag associated with a flap hinge assembly used to pivotally mount a flap to the trailing edge of an aircraft wing can be reduced when the cross-sectional area of the hinge fairing which surrounds the flap hinge assembly is reduced in size. The reduction in cross-sectional area of the hinge fairing is enabled when the flap hinge assembly attachment footprint to the underside of the flap box is also reduced. The flap hinge assembly has an internal support rib positioned between spars of the flap box structure internal to the skin, a hinge fitting exhibiting an actuation point and a hinge point positioned proximate a front spar of the flap box structure external to the skin, and a link passing through an aperture in the lower skin of the flap and coupling the internal support rib to the hinge fitting.

Abstract: Provided are wingtip torque boxes and methods of fabricating such boxes using friction stir welding. Specifically, a wingtip torque box may be formed by friction stir welding two monolithic clamshells along their respective spars thereby forming a new monolithic structure. Use of the friction stir welding and monolithic clamshells simplifies the overall fabrication process and yields a robust wingtip torque box that can be bolted on or otherwise attached to an aircraft wing. The wingtip torque box may include internal grid stiffeners and/or external stiffeners that may be also monolithic with other components of the box. For example, the stiffeners may be machined in spars or skin portions of the clamshells during fabrication of clamshells. The wingtip torque box may have a continuous cavity extending between the ends and, in some embodiments, between spars of the box and providing access for performing various operations inside the box.

Abstract: A slat can assembly with a slat can body includes at least one full ply of a composite fiber sheet material and a plurality of elongated, unidirectional fiber ply strips that are arranged into the shape of the slat can body. At least some of the unidirectional fiber ply strips are laid over the full ply. And, the full ply and the elongated, unidirectional fiber ply strips cooperate to provide a contoured shape defined by a cellular core member.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a rotorcraft includes: tail rotor blades; a tail rotor actuator coupled to the tail rotor blades such that the pitch of the tail rotor blades varies according to a current extension of the tail rotor actuator; pilot flight controls electrically coupled to the tail rotor actuator; and a flight control computer electrically coupled to the tail rotor actuator and the pilot flight controls, the flight control computer configured to: determine the current extension of the tail rotor actuator; determine whether the current extension of the tail rotor actuator is within a margin of a maximum extension of the tail rotor actuator; and indicate a first warning to a pilot in response to the current extension of the tail rotor actuator being within the margin of the maximum extension of the tail rotor actuator.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to baffle fuel dams and tank boundary fuel dams having a single-piece or two-piece construction. In one example, a baffle fuel dam is a single piece having slotted holes sized and spaced to accommodate for tolerance variations during installation. The baffle fuel dams also include a base angle that allows installation at multiple locations. The disclosure also relates to tank boundary fuel dams that include a two-piece configuration which incorporates slotted holes to accommodate tolerance variations and that are sized/spaced for different installation locations. The tank boundary fuel dams may also include a base angle that allows installation at multiple locations.

Abstract: The present invention has an objective to provide a leading-edge structure for an aircraft that is capable of, in the case of a collision with an airborne object, effectively absorbing the energy of the collision with the airborne object, with no increase in its weight. A leading-edge structure (10) for an aircraft according to the present invention includes a spar (11) extending in a predetermined direction, a plurality of ribs (13) provided in the predetermined direction of the spar (11) at intervals, and a skin (17) supported by the plurality of ribs (13). The ribs (13) includes first ribs 14 and a plurality of second ribs 15 that are disposed between the pair of first ribs (14). The second ribs (15) do not support the skin in the vicinity of their front ends.

Abstract: A system and method for improving fuel storage within the wing of an aircraft. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method eliminate the traditional spars and ribs, and any spanwise and cordwise connecting vertical webs, within a wing. Instead, the system comprises a plurality of modified flared spars, each having a length defined by an angled hat section, to form a wing structure. The modified flared spars may also comprise one or more lengths defined by a specialized section configured to accommodate a portion of a box section, or any other internal component of the wing. The system and method may also involve a contiguous fuel bladder of any size/type. The fuel bladder for the wing may comprise a fabric coated or impregnated with an elastomeric material that may include a polyurethane dispersion layer combined with a sealant.

Abstract: An all-composite assembly such as a composite laminate aircraft empennage has vertical and horizontal stabilizers with differing sets of interlaminar fracture toughnesses and differing stiffnesses to improve flight characteristics. Composite laminate skins are bonded to unitized and stiffened understructure to reduce weight and improve damage containment.

Abstract: A method of forming a power-module assembly includes arranging power stages in a cavity of a container such that the power stages are spaced apart from walls of the container. The method further includes inserting a core between each of the power stages, and installing a manifold on top of the power stages. The method also includes putting resin into the cavity to form a housing of the power-module assembly, and removing the core to reveal coolant chambers between each of the power stages.

Abstract: A panel assembly comprising: a panel (11); a stiffener (12) having a foot (12a), an upstanding web (12b) and a run-out region at one end; and a fitting (13), wherein the stiffener foot is bonded to the panel, and wherein the fitting is attached to the stiffener web and to the panel outboard of the end of the stiffener foot. The outboard end of the web may overhang an outboard end of the foot in the run-out region, of the stiffener.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to baffle fuel dams and tank boundary fuel dams having a single-piece or two-piece construction. In one example, a baffle fuel dam is a single piece having slotted holes sized and spaced to accommodate for tolerance variations during installation. The baffle fuel dams also include a base angle that allows installation at multiple locations. The disclosure also relates to tank boundary fuel dams that include a two-piece configuration which incorporates slotted holes to accommodate tolerance variations and that are sized/spaced for different installation locations. The tank boundary fuel dams may also include a base angle that allows installation at multiple locations.

Abstract: As a component of an aerial vehicle, a power management system having an active power control device is provided. The system includes a solar cell converting solar energy into electric energy; a fuel cell provided in the aerial vehicle and converting fuel energy into electric energy by electrochemical reaction; a battery compensating for a lack of electric power supplied from the solar cell and the fuel cell to the aerial vehicle and storing surplus electric power; and an active power control device connecting with all the solar cell, the fuel cell and the battery and combining and distributing electric power generated in the solar cell, the fuel cell and the battery to loads. The system efficiently distributes the power from the respective power sources through the controllable output of the fuel cell in accordance with power required by the aerial vehicle and the solar cell's performance depending on weather.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing composite panels for use in the interior of an aircraft are disclosed, specifically, methods of manufacturing joggled composite panels comprising metal inserts and the resulting composite panels and inserts.

Abstract: An aerodynamically effective attachment part or spoiler extension is disclosed. The spoiler extension includes a guide arrangement having a first guide element formed between the spoiler extension and a base body of the spoiler arrangement. Transfer of the spoiler extension is guided from a release position, in which the spoiler extension is detachable from the base body, along at transfer direction into a locking position, in which the spoiler extension is secured on the base body. The spoiler extension includes a securing element able to secure the spoiler extension automatically on the base body of the spoiler arrangement in the locking position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for covering light aircraft and/or parts thereof with a polyester covering fabric, and to a dispersion hot-melt adhesive and to the use thereof for covering. The invention further relates to a light aircraft or to a part of the same which is covered with a polyester covering fabric by means of the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A brace (200) for geometrically interlocking stringer pairs A of first stringers (106), coupled to a first panel (102), and stringer pairs B of second stringers (108), coupled to a second panel (104), of a structure (100). The brace (200) comprises a chassis (202) comprising first interlocks (204) and second interlocks (206) opposite the first interlocks (204). The first interlocks (204) geometrically engage with one of the stringer pairs A of the first stringers (106) and the second interlocks (206) geometrically engage with one of the stringer pairs B of the second stringers (108) to constrain the brace (200) in all directions along a plane (112) perpendicular to the first stringers (106) and the second stringers (108).

Abstract: An ornithopter includes a main wing mounted on a fuselage. The main wing includes a main spar extending outwardly from the fuselage, and a rib extending rearwardly from the main spar. The rib has an S-shaped camber.

Abstract: An ornithopter includes a main wing mounted on a fuselage, and a control system configured to control a flapping motion of the main wing. The main wing includes an inner spar, an outer spar, and a wrist portion disposed between the inner spar and the outer spar and which varies a bending angle, which is a relative angle between the inner spar and the outer spar, within a predetermined angle range. The control system includes an actuator which performs a raising motion and a lowering motion of the inner spar by moving the inner spar in an upward direction and in a downward direction, an angle sensor which measures the bending angle, and a control unit which controls the actuator to move the inner spar in response to the measured bending angle.

Abstract: A flight control surface such as a slat capable of keeping and achieving a minimum basic functions even when it is damaged by collisions of birds or the like, and a wing using the same are provided. Both ends of one wire cable 15 or more are fixed to paired ribs 10A and 10B provided in a short direction of the slat. This wire cable 15 is placed so as to pass through a through-hole 13 formed in each of the ribs 10 positioned between the paired ribs 10A and 10B. Even if birds or the like collide with slat 3 at the time of a flight of the aircraft to damage and deform not only a skin 4 of the slat 3 but also any rib 10, the wire cable 15 between the paired ribs 10A and 10B prevents the slat 3 from being broken into pieces.