The F-111 (EF-111A) horizontal stabilizer leading edge was selected as the baseline component to demonstrate the superior supportability characteristics of composites. The production component is a full-depth aluminum honeycomb sandwich construction that has historically shown in-service supportability programs. The composite leading edge (22.4 sq ft in plan area) was designed as a form, fit and function replacement for the existing aircraft. Because of the aircraft's leading edge high service temperature (317 F) and humidity environment (83 percent relative humidity), skins and stiffening members were designed of graphite/bismaleimide (Gr/BMI). At equivalent weight, acquisition and life cycle cost savings of 13 and 45 percent respectively were projected, for the composite leading edge over the existing aluminum honeycomb sandwich assembly.


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    Title :

    Development of a Graphite/Bismaleimide Leading Edge for the F-111 (EF-111A) Horizontal Stabilizer


    Contributors:
    J. A. Suarez (author) / S. C. Nolet (author) / M. Carteaux (author)

    Publication date :

    1988


    Size :

    9 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English