Title: Feasibility of green composite aircraft wing projects for unmanned aircraft vehicles

Authors: Darli Rodrigues Vieira; Alencar Bravo

Addresses: University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, 3351, boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, G9A 5H7 Trois-Rivières (Québec), Canada ' University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, 3351, boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, G9A 5H7 Trois-Rivières (Québec), Canada

Abstract: The majority of forecasts show air activities escalating at a steady rate. Rather than discussing the pollution resulting from the future massive disposal of these retired aircraft, most studies focus on the impact of the fuel burned by aircraft and on short-term improvements in the economics. This article focuses on identifying the steps necessary to make green material economically viable for aircraft. The present analysis studies the use of innovative materials for main aircraft structures based on an eco-Demonstrator aircraft wing and a life cycle costing model. Because different variables affect the viability of green materials differently, with different impacts on cost, it is important to determine the best strategy to reduce cost. This study finds a model where relatively small increases in durability can substantially decrease the total life cost of new green materials for aeronautical structures.

Keywords: aluminium; sustainable aviation; balsa; design for the environment; DfE; eco-Demonstrator; feasibility; green composites; life cycle costing; LCC; project management; suppliers; sustainability; unmanned aerial vehicles; UAVs; wing design; green materials; cost reduction; aeronautical structures; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSA.2016.080244

International Journal of Sustainable Aviation, 2016 Vol.2 No.3, pp.248 - 270

Received: 20 Aug 2016
Accepted: 05 Sep 2016
Published online: 08 Nov 2016 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article