The present work outlines a study whose objective was to assess the possible use of advanced composite materials to helicopter fuselage structure. The study used the CH-53D as a baseline design for comparison of composite with current conventional construction. Boron/epoxy and graphite/epoxy appeared to be the prime candidate materials for the major portion of the primary structure, while Kevlar-49/epoxy was the prime candidate material for secondary structure. A single-laminate shear-carrying skin combined with stringers and frames in an all-molded construction was considered the most promising concept for the airframe shell construction; foam-stabilized graphite/epoxy stringer was considered the prime concept for stringer construction. Shell construction and assembly concepts are discussed, and comparison of weight and material between current CH-53D airframe and the composite airframe shows that the latter may represent an 18% weight saving. Based on a fleet requirement of 600 vehicles, the operating cost for a fleet of helicopters constructed with the composite material airframe flying 500 hours a year per aircraft over a ten-year service life was calculated, indicating a $337,000 saving per helicopter.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Application of advanced composites to helicopter airframe structures


    Contributors:
    Rich, M. J. (author) / Ridgley, G. F. (author) / Lowry, D. W. (author)

    Conference:

    Annual National V/STOL Forum ; 1974 ; Washington, DC


    Publication date :

    1974-05-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :


    Application of Composites to Helicopter Airframe and Landing Gear Structures

    M. J. Rich / G. F. Ridgley / D. W. Lowry | NTIS | 1973


    Application of Composites to Helicopter Airframe and Landing Gear Structures

    M. J. Rich / G. F. Ridgley / D. W. Lowry | NTIS | 1973


    Application of composites to helicopter airframe and landing gear structures

    Rich, M. J. / Ridgley, G. F. / Lowry, D. W. | NTRS | 1973


    Helicopter airframe

    FINK AXEL / STEINDL CHRISTOPH | European Patent Office | 2018

    Free access

    Crashworthy design of helicopter composite airframe structures

    Boitnott, Richard L. / Kindervater, Christof | NTRS | 1989