DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND FABRICATION OF A LIGHT WEIGHT AIRFRAME
Abstract
The light weight airframe structure consists of a tangent ogive of 195.0-inch radius 48 inches long. The diameter of Sta. 48.0 is 12 inches. The design was based on an aluminum honeycomb construction which design studies had shown best satisfied the optimum requirements of weight, shell stability, aerodynamic smoothness, deflection and strength criteria. Work included the investigation of fabrication procedures in adhesive bonding systems, welding, and forming, as well as the tooling and fabrication of 5 airframes, representing 3 configurations plus spare parts. Conclusions reached indicate that the advantages to be realized from an aluminum honeycomb sandwich structure in the design of a light weight airframe include: (1) efficient structure, (2) resistance to fatigue and vibration, (3) adaptability to quantity production, (4) smooth aerodyanamic surfaces, and (5) maximum payload. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0257840