Rotary Wing Structures Technology Demonstration Manufacturing Technology

The Rotary Wing Structures Technology Demonstration (RWSTD) is a cooperative effort between Sikorsky Aircraft and the U.S. Army - Applied Aviation Technology Directorate (AATD) to demonstrate advances in design, analytical techniques, materials and manufacturing. For this effort, several advanced materials and manufacturing processes have been identified to reduce cost and weight. During the first phase of the RWSTD, advanced materials and manufacturing technologies were evaluated and selected. Based on producibility evaluation and coupon testing, savings in weight and/or cost have been attributed to the use of low temperature cure materials, new core materials, advanced fiber placement, electron beam curing, RTM (resin transfer molding),VARTM (vacuum assisted resin transfer molding) and tool-less assembly. As part of the second phase of the RWSTD, a full-scale rotorcraft demonstration article will be built using these advanced materials and processes. Cost and weights shall be documented and compared to demonstrated baseline values.