SPF/DB Wing Structures Development for the High-Speed Civil Transport

Superplastically formed/diffusion bonded (SPF/DB) titanium sandwich structure offers a lightweight, cost-efficient approach to meeting the 60,000 hour, 350°F structural life requirement of the High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). An innovative multi-sheet SPF/DB crossweb sandwich panel offers improved durability and damage tolerance characteristics over conventional four-sheet SPF/DB panels. In addition, new titanium alloys and improved fabrication techniques have increased the structural efficiency and durability of this structure for application to HSCT wing panels and substructure.