An aerostructure is a critical component of an aircraft’s airframe. It includes all or parts of the fuselage, wings, or flight control surfaces. Today, many companies specialize in constructing these components. They are known as aerostructure manufacturers. Many larger companies with a more diversified product portfolio can also build aerostructures.

Mechanical testing of all components or entire structure is carried out on a Universal Testing Machine. This test includes tensile, compression, fatigue, compression, impact, compression after impact, and so on. Before testing such component, aerospace engineers create element models to simulate reality.

Civilian

Airplanes that are designed for civilian use are cheaper than military aircraft. On the other hand, smaller passenger airplanes can be used for a short distance, transcontinental transport. It is highly affordable for airlines, and there is less demand for aircraft transportation at such distance as people can, while troublesome, drive these distance. When talking about bigger airplanes, they are manufactured for intercontinental transport, so that more passengers can travel at one time, money can be saved on fuel, and airliners do not have to pay as several pilots.

Cargo planes are bigger than the average jet. They have much space and large dimensions; hence, they can carry a lot of weight and a large number of cargos in one trip. They also have large wingspans, a large cargo hold, and tall vertical fin. They are not designed to accommodate passengers except for the pilots, so the use of the cargo hold can be efficient. There is no room for seats, food and bathrooms for everybody; hence, the companies made a design that can optimize the space in the aircraft.

Military

The YC-14 Prototype was designed by Boeing for the US Air Force. There were several different designs that were considered and different technologies that can be used to carry tanks and paratroopers. In addition, there was a computer that was installed and a powerful vertical wing that can keep the plane flying at a specific altitude, so that they could drop whatever they needed to in the battlefield without any complications.

Next, the Apache helicopter is made by Boeing in which the front of the helicopter is very narrow. It creates less drag, but it a smaller target for infantry units to hit the helicopter. They have designed for an F-15 fighter jet that includes two engines than one for maximum speed.

In addition to the same, there are several types of aerostructures designed to meet specific needs and requirements. All these aerostructures require proper care and maintenance. ST Engineering is the leading company that specializes in providing a wide range of solutions in nacelle systems and other aerostructures such as design and manufacturing and spares and maintenance services that are supported by a worldwide network of distribution centers, satellite stores, repair shops, and so on.

The company is responsible for handling aerostructure maintenance with a dedicated team of engineers and designers, tool manufacturing center and assembly group that are housed under one roof to make sure an efficient and optimized production line for nacelle parts manufacturing as well as assembly. They have engine nacelle programs for narrowbody as well as widebody aircraft that include the A320neo which is powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1A engine; the Bombardier’s Global 7000/8000 series; and the Boeing 747-8; COMAC’s ARJ21 by General Electric’s CF34 engine; COMAC’s C919 by a LEAP-1C turbofan engine. They have a huge scope of capabilities, including product development and series production that enables them to apply a systematic design-to-cost approach for products.

For further details, simply explore https://www.stengg.us/en/aerospace/capabilities/aerostructure-systems/.