ROTARY WING STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION COST SAVINGS

Sikorsky Aircraft, together with the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works (LMSW), Army Research Laboratories and other specialized suppliers, are working together in a cooperative agreement to demonstrate technologies that will overcome the critical barriers that prevent airframes from being truly affordable in today’s austere economic environment. In this context, affordability is meant to encompass recurring cost, development cost, and structural efficiency as it relates to payload carrying ability and hence, aircraft productivity. The proposed technologies also reduce product development time; reduce transition time and mitigate risk from development to production. The program emphasis is on mature, demonstrable technologies—falling into three broad, overlapping categories. Advanced concepts, simulation technologies, and integration technologies. Advanced concepts encompass design approaches, manufacturing processes, and materials. Simulation technologies address manufacturing, processing, and structural behavior. Integration technologies include advanced knowledge based systems, 3-D tools, improved analyses, and design integration schemes.