Rotary Wing Structures Technology Demonstration Manufacturing Technology

摘要

The Rotary Wing Structures Technology Demonstration (RWSTD) is a cooperative effort between Sikorsky Aircraftrnand the U.S. Army - Applied Aviation Technology Directorate (AATD) to demonstrate advances in design,rnanalytical techniques, materials and manufacturing. For this effort, several advanced materials and manufacturingrnprocesses have been identified to reduce cost and weight. During the first phase of the RWSTD, advanced materialsrnand manufacturing technologies were evaluated and selected. Based on producibility evaluation and coupon testing,rnsavings in weight and/or cost have been attributed to the use of low temperature cure materials, new core materials,rnadvanced fiber placement, electron beam curing, RTM (resin transfer molding),VARTM (vacuum assisted resinrntransfer molding) and tool-less assembly. As part of the second phase of the RWSTD, a full-scale rotorcraftrndemonstration article will be built using these advanced materials and processes. Cost and weights shall berndocumented and compared to demonstrated baseline values.