Advanced Lightweight Fighter Structural Concept Study.
Abstract
The overall objective of this conceptual design study effort was to evolve, evaluate, and compare new structural concepts which decrease weight, cost, and/or increase the fatigue life and reliability of the wing and carrythrough structure of a representative advanced lightweight fighter system taking advantage of (1) innovative design concepts and applications, and (2) new and improved materials, processes, and manufacturing methods, having sufficient development to show near-term potential for possible application to next generation systems. The structural wing box of the Northrop F-5E Air-Superiority Fighter was selected as the baseline to provide realistic functional, structural, and operational requirements and constraints for the study. Four basic design approaches were selected for more detailed evaluation: (1) full-depth adhesive bonded honeycomb with titanium upper covers and titanium or aluminum lower covers; (2) multi-spar - 6 or 8 spars -with aluminum upper covers and titanium solid plate or integrally stiffened lower covers; (3) multi-spar with aluminum upper covers and 'hole' and 'no-hole' aluminum lower covers; and (4) 'mono-spar' box employing thick titanium covers in a narrow, multi-spar box in conjunction with a full-depth honeycomb section. Each was considered with the lower cover employing the safe crack growth (monolithic) and multiple load path (fail-safe) damage tolerant design approaches, and for a variety of advanced materials and processes. Advanced composites may be selectively added to improved torsional stiffness to satisfy aeroelastic requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0906999
Entities
People
- Calman Rosenkranz