Objectives and Innovations
The overall objective of ACASIAS is to contribute to the reduction of energy consumption of future aircraft by improving aerodynamic performance and by facilitating the integration of novel efficient propulsion systems such as contra-rotating open rotor (CROR) engines.
Four innovative aero-structures with integrated systems are developed and evaluated:
A smart winglet with integrated blade VHF (Very High Frequency) antenna
A fuselage panel with integrated ASAC (Active Structural Acoustic Control) system for reduction of CROR cabin noise with minimal impact on weight
A composite stiffened ortho-grid fuselage panel for the integration of a Ku-band SATCOM antenna array
A Fibre Metal Laminate (FML) GLARE (Glass Laminate Aluminium Reinforced Epoxy) panel with integrated VHF communication slot antenna and GPS patch antennas
Innovative technologies
ACASIAS innovations will encompass several domains and disciplines involved in the project, such as antenna design, composite process manufacturing, Radio-Frequency (RF) and structural analysis, leading to:
New technology manufacturing process
for assembling two different materials carbon and transparent dielectrics into a hybrid composite structure for the realization of RF transparent skins and embedded antennas.
New process for manufacturing of grid stiffened panels
for fuselage structures with integrated antennas and smooth aerodynamic quality.
New concepts for installation
of antennas integrated into composite structures with a very high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures).
New concepts for integration
of wiring, sensors and actuators in composite fuselage panels for active structural acoustic noise level reduction with minimal impact on weight.