Structurally Embedded Power and Signal Cabling for Air Vehicles

During the Phase I Program, Aurora will design and fabricate a small-scale demonstration article showcasing the developed embedded power systems technology. Design and manufacturing principals for the proposed embedded power systems technology will be developed as part of the Phase I Program. Test articles will be designed and fabricated using the developed principals and subsequently tested to determine system performance. Testing will consist of evaluating the embedment of conductive media and other portions of the developed embedded power system in a first order structural loading and temperature range. Recurring labor and qualitative manufacturing data will be collected during manufacture of the test articles which will be used to evaluate cost and developed manufacturing processes. Based on test and fabrication results, the embedded power system design and manufacturing principals will be revised in preparation for the fabrication of a large-scale article during the Phase II Program. BENEFIT: The need for structurally embedded power systems is primarily being driven by the U.S. defense industry for future aircraft development programs. The technology developed as a result of this program would find applications in both military and commercial aircraft applications. Aurora will work to develop this technology and transition any processes or techniques developed during the course of this program to the military and commercial sectors. Application of this technology to Department of Defense programs will help to allow reduced platform weight, decrease maintenance costs and provide the airframe designer with increased design possibilities. Aurora will market the design and manufacturing techniques developed during this program as a tool in the acquisition and development of new aircraft programs in both the military and commercial sectors. It is expected that the early market will include Department of Defense contractors and specifically programs focused on the development of advanced composite aircraft structures.