Composite structures for commercial transport aircraft

The use of composites represents one of six possible approaches which, according to a NASA program initiated in 1975, could be used collectively to reduce the fuel consumption of commercial transport aircraft by up to 50 percent. A description is provided of a NASA-industry program which will lead to a more extensive use of advanced composites. The approach being taken is to develop, for existing aircraft, components which have potential for significant weight savings. The design of each of the considered components is described, taking into account a graphite/epoxy rudder, an inboard aileron, a graphite-epoxy elevator, a vertical tail, a horizontal tail, and a vertical stabilizer. The components are in various stages of development at this time. Preliminary weight estimates show from 25 to 30 percent weight savings from the use of composites.