Test Article To Be Used For Production Process Validation
Progress! As part of the ongoing
development program of the S.40 Freedom mid-size jet, Spectrum
Aeronautical is chatting up the first of a series of Fuselage
Manufacturing Demonstrator (FMD) test articles that has recently
been completed. The FMDs will be used to validate the production
process for the aircraft’s all-composite one-piece co-cured
fuselage.
“This is a real milestone for the program,” noted
Spectrum’s president, Austin Blue.
“Our approach at Spectrum is to work diligently on
technical development of our aircraft and maintaining our focus on
getting them into production. Completion of a full scale part like
this is the result of comprehensive tooling and process development
that is taking us ever closer to our first flight test aircraft and
delivery to our customers.” Due to the proprietary nature of
the manufacturing process the company could not release any
technical details, but Blue did say however, that this first FMD
was in line with engineering projections and clearly shows the
effectiveness of the methods.
“We’ve developed our manufacturing technologies over
years of research and testing. This represents a new stage in their
maturity,” said Blue. He added that, “The FMD is a
testament to the ingenuity, hard work, and skill of a great
development team.”
The key feature of the Freedom’s airframe is the use of
large, co-cured composite structures. Co-curing the major
structural elements joins the components at the molecular level,
providing exceptional strength and durability. As a result, the
adhesive bonding required by many other types of composite
fabrication methods is significantly reduced. Composite co-cured
structures also eliminate the need for extensive riveting that is
required for conventional aluminum airframes, saving both
manufacturing time and reducing overall weight.
“Limiting the amount of bonding and eliminating virtually
all secondary fasteners allows us to build a lighter, higher
performing aircraft,” Blue explained. The light weight also
contributes to better fuel efficiency, allowing the S.40 to cut
fuel consumption by as much as half that of comparably sized metal
aircraft. The reduction in fuel use also makes the aircraft one of
the “greenest” jet designs by significantly cutting
back the amount of emissions. “This is a very exciting time
for us,” said Blue.
“We are at the forefront of technical innovation that will
change business aviation.” Spectrum Aeronautical has sales
and administrative offices in Carlsbad, California, with its
Aircraft Development Center located in Spanish Fork, Utah. The
privately held company is developing two jets: the Freedom S.40, a
nine-place mid-sized jet powered by GE Honda Aero Engines’
HF120 fanjets; and the Independence S.33, a seven-place light jet
using Williams International’s FJ33-4A jet engines.
Both aircraft feature the company’s revolutionary
composite airframe technology, enabling an empty weight 40% less
than comparably sized aluminum aircraft. The light weight combined
with efficient next-generation fanjet engines allows significant
reduction in fuel consumption and emission of green-house
gasses.