Project description
Lightweight high-performance nacelle for next generation tiltrotors
One of the most amazing aircraft promising to make aviation eco-friendlier is the Leonardo next-generation civil tiltrotor (NGCTR) – a tiltrotor aircraft demonstrator developed within the context of the European Clean Sky 2 programme. The EU-funded TRAIL project is supporting this initiative. Its aim is to develop advanced composite materials and a monocoque nacelle structure using out-of-autoclave composite manufacturing processes. It will also produce lightweight hybrid firewalls using elastomeric coatings for protection. Project developments will lead to significant weight savings of the structure as well as a reduction in the number of nacelle parts. These in turn will decrease aircraft manufacturing costs and the overall environmental impact of the aviation industry.
Objective
The aim of the Clean Sky 2 topic JTI-CS2-2018-CFP09-FRC-01-26 “Design, manufacture and deliver a high performance, low cost, low weight Nacelle Structure for Next Generation TiltRotor (NGCTR) - Technology Demonstrator (TD)” is to develop innovative: lightweight materials, architecture, technologies, fire resistant materials, control of structural borne vibration to be applied on the Nacelle of the NGCTR under supervision of Leonardo Helicopters Division. TRAIL Consortium shall meet the target by introducing advanced composite materials and designing highly integrated monocoque structure of the Nacelle with use of OoA (Out of Autoclave) and VARTM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Method) manufacturing techniques. In the frame of the project lightweight hybrid firewalls (composite with elastomeric coating) shall be investigated to produce lighter structure. The project will also deal with novel means to damp structure borne vibration and noise through application of viscoelastic materials into the NGCTR TD Engine Nacelle design.
The realization of the project shall lead to significant weight of the structure and number of parts reduction. It shall also show that decreasing manufacturing costs and time is possible and lead to introduction of technologies which shall reduce environmental impact of air transport and aviation industry.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcomposites
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and films
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencescomputer securitynetwork security
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaircraftrotorcraft
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
02-256 WARSZAWA
Poland