Abstract: The structural strength of an aircraft wing is continuously tailored along its length to closely match continuously varying imposed wing loads. The wing includes upper and lower skins each formed from panels joined together. Each of the skin panels includes a stiffening web sandwiched between and joined to the inner and outer facesheets. The web has a repeating pattern and at least one dimension that continuously varies along the length of the panel.

Abstract: The structural strength of an aircraft wing is continuously tailored along its length to closely match continuously varying imposed wing loads. The wing comprises upper and lower skins each formed from panels joined together. Each of the skin panels includes a stiffening web sandwiched between and joined to the inner and outer facesheets. The web has a repeating pattern and at least one dimension that continuously varies along the length of the panel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing composite aircraft wings and other structures are disclosed herein. A tool assembly for use in manufacturing composite laminates in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a tool plate carried by a movable support system. The tool plate includes a tool surface configured to support fiber-reinforced resin material and define an outer mold line (OML) of the fiber-reinforced resin material. The movable support system is configured to respond to signals from a controller to automatically change the shape of the tool surface and alter the OML of the finished part to suit the particular application. In one embodiment, the movable support system can include a plurality of telescoping actuators operably coupled to the tool plate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently increasing the wing area of an aircraft are disclosed herein. An integrated wingtip extension configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a tapered wing section and a winglet. The tapered wing section includes an inboard end portion having a first chord length and an outboard end portion having a second chord length that is less than the first chord length. The winglet is fixedly attached to the outboard end portion. The inboard end portion is configured to be fixedly attached to a tip portion of an aircraft wing. In one embodiment, the tapered wing section and the winglet can be integrally formed from composite materials.

Abstract: A pivoting aircraft wing and associated system and method are provided. The pivoting aircraft wing includes a wing member, a carry-through structure, and a spar box assembly pivotally connected to the carry-through structure. The spar box assembly extends longitudinally within the wing member. The spar box assembly comprises a spar box and a bearing support structure attached to the spar box. The aircraft wing further includes a plurality of bearings disposed within a plurality of bearing races defined by the bearing support structure and carry-through structure. The plurality of bearing races advantageously define an arcuate path of rotation such that the wing member is capable of rotating about a virtual axis of rotation.