Abstract: A laminated body panel for aircraft applications comprises first and second metal layers and an adhesive layer. First and second sections in each metal layer are generally coplanar and separated by a splice line. A first splice line in a first metal layer is generally parallel to a second splice line in a second metal layer, and spaced laterally from the second splice line. An adhesive layer between the metal layers preferably contains reinforcing fibers bridging across the splice lines. An aircraft fuselage or wing or empennage made with spliced body panels of the invention has fewer joints and weighs less than one made with narrower body panels containing unspliced metal layers.

Abstract: Fatigue- and flutter- resistant laminate, suitable for use as constructional material in aviation, particularly in the construction of wings. It comprises (I) a laminated cover having a constant thickness and consisting of at least two metal plates firmly interbonded by an intermediate resinous layer reinforced with continuous strands, a substantial proportion of which extends mutually parallel in at least one direction, and (II) a substrate which is firmaly bonded thereto, and comprises at least one metallic support plate having a tapering thickness. (I) and (II) may be interbonded by means of an optionally fiber-reinforced resin. (I) may be present on both sides of (II). Preferably, the minimum thickness of (II) is at least equal to the thickness of the metal plates present in (I). More particularly, the thickness of (II), tapers from 11 to 1 mm (over a length of at most 20 m).