As defined by aerospace giant Airbus in its overview of the programme Wing of Tomorrow (WoT)(1), no one can be too sure about what the next generation of aircraft wings will look like. They could have different shapes or be assembled in a novel way. They could also be made of composites or advanced metallic materials. However, one thing is certain: with aircraft production rates set to increase significantly, wings will need to be faster, easier and cheaper to manufacture and assemble.
AERTEC Solutions' expertise in 3D virtual environments is key to the development of future manufacturing systems.
With such a variety of factors to consider, creating the wing of tomorrow will be no easy task. This is the challenge facing the programme Wing of Tomorrow Airbus, which will explore the best materials, manufacturing and assembly techniques, as well as the new technologies in aerodynamics and wing architecture.”
The role of AERTEC Solutions in the WoT programme.
AERTEC Solutions, the multinational consultancy and engineering firm, participates in the programme Wing of Tomorrow supporting Airbus in different thematic areas. The AERTEC Solutions' experience in 3D modelling and simulation allows the creation of a 3D virtual environment where the use of innovative technologies and new assembly techniques point to the future of the wing construction process.
As part of the simulation work, AERTEC Solutions is building a detailed 3D design to demonstrate the flow of tooling and material within the facility. Free distance and collision analyses are implicit in this simulation in order to validate conceptual solutions during the initial design stage.
AERTEC Solutions is also heavily involved in the assembly technology development to facilitate the proposed wing construction philosophy of tomorrow. In particular, AERTEC Solutions provides expertise on automation and cost engineering knowledge to foster the development of an innovative automation strategy that will be unique to the aerospace environment.
(1) http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2017/01/Wings-of-the-future.html
