Full barrel composite fuselage

Objective

The FUBACOMP project aims to improve operational efficiencies in the small civil/business/tilt rotor/helicopter sectors by:
1) Increased fuel economy through reduced airframe mass as a result of the introduction of full barrel composite fuselage components.
2) Reduced lifecycle costs through improved fatigue performance versus metallic structure, reduced routine inspection and minimal parts inventory.

The Fibre Placement automated composite process and an associated design will deliver a unitised structure eliminating most of the mechanical joints further improving the composite benefits. The primary project aims are to: Evaluate unique structural concepts for fully integrated composite barrel structure, develop a European capability in Fibre Placement and associated engineering knowledge validating the technology by the testing of a small diameter section (the first of its kind to be manufactured in Europe), and the creation of potential market opportunities for European suppliers.

Fields of science

• engineering and technology › materials engineering › composites
• engineering and technology › mechanical engineering › vehicle engineering › aerospace engineering › aircraft › rotorcraft
• engineering and technology › environmental engineering › energy and fuels

Programme(s)

• FP5-GROWTH - Programme for research technological development and demonstration on "Competitive and sustainable growth 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.3.-4. - Key Action New Perspectives in Aeronautics

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LTD

Address

Warton Aerodrome
PR4 1AX Preston
United Kingdom

Participants (7)

BRUNEL UNIVERSITY

United Kingdom

Address

Kingston Lane
UB8 3PH Uxbridge

CENTRE D'ESSAIS AERONAUTIQUE DE TOULOUSE

France

Address

Avenue Henri Guillaumet 23
31056 Toulouse

DASSAULT AVIATION S.A.

France

Address

Quai Marcel-dassault 78
92214 Saint Cloud

EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

Germany

Address

Industriestrasse 4
86603 Donauworth

EUROCOPTER S.A.S.

France

Address

Aeroport International Marseille
13725 Marignane

GIE EADS CCR

France

Address

Boulevard De Montmorency 37
75781 Paris

THE ADVANCED COMPOSITES GROUP LTD.

United Kingdom

Address

Composites House Sinclair Close Heanor Gate Indust
DE75 7SP Heanor - Derbyshire