Abstract: A cross tube for a helicopter skid landing gear, including a monolithic metallic tube having a central portion extending transversely between two end portions with longitudinal central axes of the central portion and of the end portions being located in a plane, where the central portion has inner and outer heights, the end portions each have inner and outer heights, and the inner and outer heights of one of the central portion and the end portion are respectively greater than the inner and outer heights of the other of the central portion and the end portion. A skid tube with two portions with cross-sections having one or both of different orientations with respect to one another and different dimensions with respect to one another, and a method of forming a structural tube for a helicopter skid landing gear are also provided.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite structural member includes a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite material in which adjacent layers are bonded to one another, wherein the structural member exhibits a non-linear stress-strain response when mechanically loaded to failure. A helicopter landing gear includes a pair of skids and one or more cross members extending between the pair of skids. The one or more cross members includes a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite material in which adjacent layers are bonded to one another, wherein the cross members exhibit non-linear stress-strain responses when mechanically loaded to failure.

Abstract: A cross tube for a helicopter skid landing gear, including a monolithic metallic tube having a central portion extending transversely between two end portions with longitudinal central axes of the central portion and of the end portions being located in a plane, where the central portion has inner and outer heights, the end portions each have inner and outer heights, and the inner and outer heights of one of the central portion and the end portion are respectively greater than the inner and outer heights of the other of the central portion and the end portion. A skid tube with two portions with cross-sections having one or both of different orientations with respect to one another and different dimensions with respect to one another, and a method of forming a structural tube for a helicopter skid landing gear are also provided.

Abstract: The shear bonding method is configured to facilitate bonding of structures in an out-of-autoclave environment. The shear bonding method includes bonding a plurality of frame members to the interior of a tapered tailboom. The frames are located on a bayonet type tool. An adhesive pack is applied to each frame. The bayonet type tool is inserted into the tailboom until the adhesive packs come into contact with the interior walls of the tailboom. Conductive heating tiles are applied to the tailboom. The conductive heating tiles are controlled to achieve and maintain viscosity of the adhesive packs. During this period the bayonet tool is actuated so that the frames are translated in relation to the tailboom. The heating tiles are then controlled to achieve and maintain the adhesive at a requisite curing temperature.

Abstract: The shear bonding method is configured to facilitate bonding of structures in an out-of-autoclave environment. The shear bonding method includes bonding a plurality of frame members to the interior of a tapered tailboom. The frames are located on a bayonet type tool. An adhesive pack is applied to each frame. The bayonet type tool is inserted into the tailboom until the adhesive packs come into contact with the interior walls of the tailboom. Conductive heating tiles are applied to the tailboom. The conductive heating tiles are controlled to achieve and maintain viscosity of the adhesive packs. During this period the bayonet tool is actuated so that the frames are translated in relation to the tailboom. The heating tiles are then controlled to achieve and maintain the adhesive at a requisite curing temperature.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite structural member includes a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite material in which adjacent layers are bonded to one another, wherein the structural member exhibits a non-linear stress-strain response when mechanically loaded to failure. A helicopter landing gear includes a pair of skids and one or more cross members extending between the pair of skids. The one or more cross members includes a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite material in which adjacent layers are bonded to one another, wherein the cross members exhibit non-linear stress-strain responses when mechanically loaded to failure.