Current and projected use of carbon composites in United States aircraft

It is noted that carbon composite materials are beginning to be used in commercial transports, general aviation aircraft, military fighter aircraft and helicopters due to demonstrated weight savings and potential manufacturing cost savings. Attention is given to current production applications of carbon composites which range from the secondary structures of new commercial transports to wing primary structures of fighters. Current development efforts are discussed that will lead to their future application to fuselages, as well as whole airframes. Finally, laminate constructions which vary widely, and may be relevant to avionics system design, are examined.