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Composite technology development based on helicopter rotor blades

Konrad Jerzy Kozaczuk (Center for Composite Technologies, Institute of Aviation, Warsaw, Poland)

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology

ISSN: 0002-2667

Article publication date: 31 October 2018

Issue publication date: 19 March 2020

273

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to document the approach, effort and cost of advance composite technology implementation suited for small and medium enterprises on the example of composite main rotor blade development for ILX-27 helicopter.

Design/methodology/approach

This work was carried out as part of a development project for main rotor blades used on the ILX 27 helicopter. The paper presents all stages of the design of the blade structure in parallel with composite technology development. The data were gathered and documented during project execution. The stages of R&D work in terms of labor intensity and important processes influencing quality and efficiency were assessed.

Findings

The paper provides key aspects for successful composite capability introduction. The incurred cost of equipment and staff training is evaluated. The paper also summarized the cost of composite parts manufactured with developed technology.

Practical implications

The paper provides detail example of composite capability development including basic technologies, processes, equipment and cost of the project. Presented details can be great guidelines for small and medium enterprises with the goal of composite technology introduction for aerostructures design and manufacturing.

Originality/value

This paper present clear, complete and verified process of composite capability development for aerostructures design and build suited for small and medium enterprises. It presents detail cost, calculated in Polish economy environment, of each phase and final cost of the product.

Keywords

Citation

Kozaczuk, K.J. (2018), "Composite technology development based on helicopter rotor blades", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 92 No. 3, pp. 273-284. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-12-2017-0260

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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