Overview
The aviation sector is on a path to addressing its impacts on the environment and climate. Improving the sector’s environmental performance is high on the agenda, and the EU is investing in key technologies and processes to make zero-emission aircraft a reality. Regional aviation is expected to bring new, innovative approaches to aircraft and air transport operations. Air vehicles flying distances of less than 500 km (regional connections) will benefit from hybrid-electric propulsion technologies. In this context, the EU-funded HERWINGT project will develop key technologies to address a new wing design for a hybrid electric regional aircraft. It will conduct the manufacturing, assembly, structural concepts and processes, concept studies, configuration and architecture trade-offs for a full wing component.
Development of key technologies to address a new wing design for a HER aircraft maturing up to TRL5: manufacturing, assembly, structural concepts and processes, concept studies, configuration and architecture trade offs for a full wing component are part of the activity. As a physical demonstration concept, the detail design and manufacturing of the relevant components of a centre wing section of a HER Aircraft will be addressed.
Conceptual wing studies: configuration and architecture (structural arrangement, Systems allocation and disposition, flight control system) trade offs for a full wing. Full wing structural arrangement mock up for innovative wing concepts, Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization studies for definition of the optimal structural configuration of wing.
Demonstration platform: wingbox, high lift devices, control surfaces, load alleviation devices focusing on the centre section as a demonstration platform:
- Integrated Centre section wing box structure with the inner Propulsion stage: Full span (pylon to pylon) torsion box concept representative of more ambitious tip 2 tip concept. Multispar concept, Access manholes and panels, Sustainable aviation fuel and Integrated Fuel vent systems.
- Inner section Leading Edges, Integrated Inductive ice protection system integration, Multifunctionality: erosion, impact, Lightning, ice protection, Morphing concepts, Functional tests, Bird strike tests (virtual or real)
- Inner section Flap and high lift solutions: Integrated flap solutions. Multifunctionality application to flap.
Key processing technologies: Low cost-high integrated out of autoclave technologies. Dry fiber placement and liquid resin infusion for integrated multispar torsion box. Thermoplastic composites processing: In situ consolidation for integrated flap skin and Leading edge applications. Thermoplastic welding and co-consolidation for Integration. Bonding technologies exploration towards certifiable solutions.