Research into Integrated Aircraft Technologies

Abstract

Major customer requirements and design drivers in aerospace are highlighted. Some of the current research activities at Queens University Belfast in meeting the customer requirements are presented. Key cost drivers were identified and a cost model was developed and validated. The cost model was used to develop methodologies for evaluation of the cost benefits of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly, including trade -off studies between Aerodynamics, Manufacturing and Assembly for allocation of optimum tolerance s for minimum cost. The results were extrapolated to a whole aircraft to estimate savings in Direct Operating Cost. The study showed (for Airbus 320 class aircraft) that with an approach towards Design for Manufacturing and Assembly, and focusing on the allocation of optimum tolerances, one percent reduction in aircraft cost and correspondingly half of one percent reduction in Direct Operating Cost could be achieved. The work led to the setting up of a Center of Excellence on Integrated Aircraft Technol ogies at Queens University Belfast, brief details of which are also given in the paper.