Advanced Airframe Structural Materials: A Primer and Cost Estimating Methodology

Abstract

This report identifies, describes, and quantifies the cost effects of structural materials that are likely to be incorporated into aircraft becoming operational in the 1990s (aluminum, aluminum-lithium, steel, titanium, graphite/epoxy, graphite/bismaleimide, and graphite/ thermoplastic). The first half of this report is a primer for advanced aircraft structural materials emphasizing polymer matrix composites. The second half of the report contains both cost data and a cost estimating methodology sensitive to material mix. For each material type separate cost factors are presented for two time frames, the late 1980s and the mid-1990s, and for the following cost elements: nonrecurring engineering, nonrecurring tooling, recurring engineering, recurring tooling, manufacturing labor, manufacturing material, and quality assurance. These factors are based on data obtained from Boeing Airplane Company, General Dynamics Corporation, Grumman Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Aerospace Systems Corporation-California Division and Georgia Division, LTV Aerospace and Defense Aircraft Group, McDonnell Douglas Corporation, Northrop Aircraft Division, and Rockwell international Group.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA253371

Entities

People

  • J. C. Rogers
  • Ronald W. Hess
  • Susan A. Resetar

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircraft Industry
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Chemistry
  • Composite Material Fabrication
  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Engineering
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanical Working
  • Mechanics
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Naval Engineering and Maritime Security
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.

Technology Areas

  • Space