Adjustable Attachment Device for Aircraft Blankets

The U.S. Navy has experienced numerous technical challenges with the current fastener system for the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft’s insulation blankets. The most common type of attachment device is a bonded-stud, which is permanently attached to the composite airframe structure. These studs are prone to breakage from the stress and shear loads created by blanket attachment and misalignment, as well as, from contact with aircrew members and passengers. During Phase I research, Prototype Productions, Inc. (PPI) used advanced engineering design software and a detailed engineering analysis to investigate the feasibility of developing an innovative blanket attachment device. PPI proved the feasibility of an innovative, reliable, insulation blanket attachment device that provides location flexibility. During Phase II, PPI will optimize the attachment design created during Phase I, and thorough testing and analysis will be conducted to verify performance in simulated operational conditions.