In parallel to the demonstrator program, the GKN Aerospace global design team supports Bell with further design optimization of the V-Tail. GKN Aerospace is a partner in the research program. The two compression-moulded Access Panels have been manufactured from recycled thermoplastic waste material from the two Ruddervators and have been developed in a Dutch TPC-Cycle research program led by Saxion. Thermoplastics offer significant advantages in terms of weight, costs, production time and environmental impact. Injection of this technology on a military platform opens opportunities for wider application in the defence market. GKN Aerospace is a technology leader in thermoplastic technology with thermoplastic rudders, elevators and fuselage panels flying on a wide range of business jets.
This will make the V-280 one of the first military aircraft flying with thermoplastic components. The Ruddervators and Access Panels are technology demonstrators and are planned for flight testing on the aircraft in 2019. As partner on Bell’s Team Valor, GKN Aerospace has designed and manufactured the complete thermoset composite V-Tail for the Bell V-280 Valor. Ruddervators are the control surfaces for an aircraft with a V-tail configuration.
GKN Aerospace has delivered a pair of thermoplastic composite, induction welded Ruddervators, and two compression-moulded Access Panels manufactured from re-used thermoplastic waste material, to Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc.
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