Can Build And Test-Fly Dornier 328-Based Prototype
Lockheed Martin received the
all-clear Wednesday from the United States Air Force Research
Laboratory (AFRL) to begin building a prototype Advanced Composite
Cargo Aircraft.
"This contract represents an important first step to advance
composite usage on next-generation tactical air mobility
transports," said Frank Cappuccio, executive vice president and
general manager, Advanced Development Programs (Skunk Works) at
Lockheed Martin.
Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will build and
flight-demonstrate an X-Plane type aircraft with emphasis on
innovative structural configurations and concepts to include
advanced prototyping and composite technologies. Its solution
involves replacement of the mid/aft fuselage and empennage of a
Dornier 328J with advanced composites within the required 12-month
schedule.
"With ACCA we are attempting to reinvent the manufacturing
paradigm through the strategic use of composite manufacturing
technologies," said Frank Mauro, vice president, Advanced Systems
Development, Advanced Development Programs (the Skunk Works(R)),
Lockheed Martin. "This is an important opportunity to forever
change the way composites are used in aircraft manufacturing,
leading to lighter, less expensive, more durable aircraft that are
easier to maintain."
Lockheed tells ANN the integration of advanced composites on the
ACCA flight demonstrator will enable a reduction of 80-90 percent
in parts count, and a dramatic reduction in corrosion and fatigue
issues compared to conventional aircraft manufacturing approaches.
Planned growth provisions will allow the prototype to be used well
into the future as a technology workhorse for additional air
mobility advanced transport experiments.
Further, ACCA will provide production traceability allowing the
key technologies to be applicable to a broad spectrum of next
generation aircraft including long range strike, unmanned systems
and future air mobility transports.
ACCA is a capstone demonstration of several technologies
developed under recent Department of Defense Contracted Research
and Development (CRAD) programs, particularly the Composite
Affordability Initiative.
"AFRL is excited to authorize Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works to
proceed with their highly innovative demonstration program," said
Barth Shenk, AFRL program manager.
AFRL is currently investigating opportunities for Aurora Flight
Sciences to collaborate with Lockheed Martin and AFRL in the
demonstration of additional technologies and capabilities for
future transport structures.