A frame assembly for a rear section of an aircraft, comprising at least one frame having a plane of symmetry, wherein the frame assembly also comprises at least one supporting element having two ends, wherein each one of the ends is attached to said at least one frame at different sides of the plane of symmetry. This arrangement permits a more effective transfer of loads coming from the vertical tail plane of the aircraft to the fuselage.

One embodiment includes a rib structure to be used, for example, in any number of aerospace applications, the rib structure, comprising a first piece having a first curvature in a first plane; and a second piece having a second curvature in a second plane that is different from the first plane. The first piece and the second piece are bonded together to form the rib structure. In certain embodiments, the first piece further comprises a plurality of discontinuous flanges to interface with a plurality of skin surfaces. In other examples, the first piece includes an aft spar interface for bonding to a surface. In some implementations, the first piece includes a forward spar interface for bonding to a surface. Manufacturing of the airframe/aircraft parts, panels, and rib components can include any suitable composites, alloys, titanium, aluminum, artificial materials, sheet metal, etc.

An example aircraft wing includes a first skin, a second skin opposite to the first skin, and a composite spar. The composite spar includes a double-flanged spar cap, a single-flanged spar cap, a spar web connecting the double-flanged spar cap and the single-flanged spar cap, and a tear strap. The double-flanged spar cap includes an inward-facing flange and a first outward-facing flange, and the inward-facing flange and the first outward-facing flange are integrated with the first skin during a co-curing process. The single-flanged spar cap includes a second outward-facing flange that is attached to the second skin. The tear strap is stitched to an inner side of the spar web along at least a portion of a length of the composite spar.

An elongate primary structural element 200, such as a spar or rib, for a primary structure 22 of an aircraft aerodynamic structure 20, such as a wing. The primary structural element 200 has a shear web 210 comprising a twist 211 about a longitudinal axis of the shear web 210 so that a face 220 of at least a portion of the shear web 210 is non-planar when the shear web 210 is free from a torque applied about the longitudinal axis.

An energy dispersion plug for use in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a blunt head section, a wedge section, and a rim section. The blunt head section has an outer side for receiving an impact force and an inner side opposite the outer side. The wedge section has a base end and a distal end opposite the base end. The wedge section extends at the base end from the inner side of the blunt head section towards the distal end and the distal end has a smaller cross-sectional area than the base end. The wedge section is shaped and sized to fit into an open end of a hollow structural member of the UAV and to transfer impact energy incident upon the blunt head section into the hollow structural member to shatter the hollow structural member into fragments.

A high-lift device comprising an airfoil shaped body having a leading edge and a trailing edge and extending in a spanwise direction configured mainly to generate aerodynamic force; a profile structure arranged to be mounted inside of the airfoil shaped body and extending in spanwise direction of the airfoil shaped body that is configured to provide most of the mechanical strength and stiffness; wherein the airfoil shaped body is provided with an opening extending in spanwise direction at one side through which the profile structure can be fastened and remains accessible inside of the airfoil shaped body.

A harness routing electrically connects a rear fuselage section of an aircraft and a trimmable Horizontal Tail Plane (HTP) installed at this rear section. The aircraft rear section includes a first clipping point wherein the harness is attached to a fuselage frame located in front of the torsion box front spar, and a second clipping point wherein the harness is attached to a front spar of the HTP torsion box. The second clipping point is located downstream from the first clipping point from the fuselage towards the torsion box interior, and the harness passes through the front spar towards the interior of the torsion box downstream the second clipping point.

There is provided a training system capable of performing work. The system has a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator exhibiting a generally planar transformational behavior. The system further has one or more heating elements for transforming the SMA actuator from an original shape to a trained shape, thereby performing work.

Methods for manufacturing elongated structural elements are provided. Such methods provide composite material having optimal properties such as weight and strength which can be produced at much lower costs compared to conventional methods. Composite materials including such elements are also provided. In addition, commercial products incorporating such structural elements are provided.

Apparatuses for creating layered tape composite structures include a frame, a source of first tape, and a first tape placement module configured to receive first tape and place the first tape on a layup surface as the frame translates along the layup surface. Some apparatuses further include a source of second tape, and a second tape placement module configured to receive second tape and place the second tape on the first tape as the frame moves along the layup surface. Methods for creating layered tape composite structures include supplying a first tape, and placing the first tape on a layup surface. Some methods further include supplying a second tape, and placing the second tape on the first tape on the layup surface.