Flight Service Evaluation of Kevlar-49 Epoxy Composite Panels in Wide-Bodied Commercial Transport Aircraft. Annual Flight Service Report (6th).
Abstract
Kevlar-49 fairing panels, installed as flight service components on three L-1O11s, were inspected after 6 years service. There are six Kevlar-49 panels on each aircraft: a left-hand and right-hand set of a wing-body sandwich fairing; a solid laminate under-wing fillet panel; and a 422 K (300 degrees F) service aft engine fairing. The three L-1011s include one each in service with Eastern, Air Canada, and TWA. The fairings have accumulated a total of 45,000 hours, with one ship set having 17,700 hours service. The inspections were conducted at the airlines' major maintenance bases with the participation of Lockheed Engineering. The Kevlar-49 components were found to be performing satisfactory service with no major problems, or any condition requiring corrective action. The only defects noted were minor impact damage, and a minor degree of fastener hole fraying and elongation. These are for the most part comparable to damage noted on fiberglass firings. The service history to date indicates that Kevlar-49 epoxy composite materials have satisfactory service characteristics for use in aircraft secondary structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA305636
Entities
People
- R. H. Stone
Organizations
- Lockheed Martin