Innovative CH-53K Cargo Floor System

This proposal provides an innovative CH-53K cargo floor that will exceed all technical requirements by using in-situ automated fiber placement of thermoplastic composites along with optimized stringers to produce a cobonded floor structure. The design will take advantage of the superior damage tolerance of thermoplastic composites while stressing manufacturability and affordability. Stringer optimization will be conducted in the Phase I to improve load carrying capability resulting in a durable, lower weight cargo floor structure. Phase I Option will involve design, fabrication and testing of a subscale article. Proven in-situ cobonding will be used to bond the skin to stringers to overcome problems in previous programs. Phase II will consist of the design and development of a representative critical cargo floor system sections including a treadway section, roller section and walkway section for the CH-53K. The prototype floor sections will be evaluated through demonstration and testing under conditions representative of a military aircraft cargo environment.