A practicable, molded-plastic, missile fuselage concept was successfully developed by the Hughes Aircraft Company utilizing a unique 'Quadrant Molding Process.' The primary objective of the development was demonstration of the feasibility of producing such a missile fuselage with inexpensive, glass fiber-reinforced, composite materials with fabrication methods capable of high production at a low cost. A realistic structural comparison was made between the quadrant molded composite fuselage and a conventional metallic structure. Comparative manufacturing costs were also established and indicated that the composite fuselage is the more cost effective for all production quantities. (Author)
Exploratory Development of Prototype Missile Fuselages
1971
141 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Composite Materials , Air & Space-Launched Missiles , Rockets , Rocket cases , Guided missile components , Composite materials , Manufacturing methods , Glass textiles , Epoxy plastics , Bonding , Molding , Mechanical properties , Production control , Cost effectiveness , Glass particle composites , Fiberglass reinforced plastics , Reinforced plastics , Design criteria