UK explores future composite designs for combat aircraft
New programme ‘explores the art of the possible’ to develop next-generation ideas and capabilities
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) on 15 December announced the launch of a programme with the National Composites Centre (NCC) research facility, to ‘explore the art of the possible’ for composite structures of future manned and unmanned combat aircraft.
The two UK organisations also launched a competition on 14 December to attract new ideas and capabilities, ‘to influence the direction of the research and for future funding for research projects’.
Ideas will be downselected into a coordinated series of funded research projects. If successful, funding will typically be awarded before the end of March 2021.
The Advanced Design of Composites Structures for Future Combat Aircraft programme will investigate innovative approaches to overall structural layout, manufacturing and assembly. It will also look into the optimal combination of detail features and material selection.
One main aim of the programme are to develop airframe design concepts through trades studies (balanced technical solutions) and worked examples.
Another is to systematically collate and develop the underpinning data upon which the airframe design trades are built, including the performance of composite materials and features, and to identify and mitigate those features that are constraining performance and cost.
The result, according to Dstl, could be ‘the next generation of lightweight, strong and resilient combat aircraft composite structures’.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Denmark to bolster maritime defences as P-8A FMS deal approved by US]()
Denmark to bolster maritime defences as P-8A FMS deal approved by US
The NATO country continues to focus on building up its maritime surveillance and enforcement capabilities as part of a major investment in its Arctic defences.
-
![December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production]()
December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production
One of the key trends seen in December has been the rise in indigenous investment within the UAV market, particularly across certain countries, with Germany, Australia and the US focusing on their commitments to sovereign development.
-
![2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate]()
2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate
This year’s (geo)political turmoil has challenged many long-prevailing assumptions, leading to far-reaching consequences for air forces and their supplier bases in industry worldwide – with five key trends in review for 2025.
-
![Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans]()
Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans
With a rising defence budget and equipment list, Poland’s air market is set to grow as the country continues to modernise its transport and helicopter fleets while seeking out uncrewed aerial vehicles and loitering munitions.
