3-D Pyrolised-In-Place Composites for Integrated Hypersonic Airframes(1000-845)

Triton Systems, Inc. of Chelmsford MA, with the support of Boeing Phantom Works, proposes to develop a modern adaptation of the AVCO 3-D Quartz-Phenolic (3DQP) integrated structure-heatshield composite used in US and British re-entry vehicles, in order to reduce total airframe weight for a wide range of short-to-moderate duration hypersonic flight applications. Advances in performing, fiber properties, and particularly matrix chemistries promise composite performance far superior to 3DQP, and superior to current TPS/Metallic airframe combinations. The key reliability and performance value of eliminating a separate metallic substructure and the accompanying bond (or other) joints remains as true now as in the 1970s. New preforming techniques, such as AutoWeave, allow complex hybrid 2-D/3-D reinforcements to be assembled at moderate cost. The relatively recent innovation of cost- and processing-effective pre-ceramic polymers offers unique possibilities for maintaining structural and electromagnetic properties of the airframe at surface temperatures exceeding 1500 C, while limiting heat transfer to internals. Triton proposes select a promising application for the new airframe concept, in combination with the USAF TPOC and Phantom Work (e.g. the X51 Single Engine Demonstrator /WaveRider) in to evaluate the potential for optimizing the 3-D structural heatshield composite subject to realistic environmental requirements.