The aviation industry needs more sustainable aircraft: the CO2 and NOx emissions of international air traffic must be reduced. This requires innovative technologies that reduce aircraft fuel consumption. The Horizon2020 ACASIAS project has taken up this challenge by improving aerodynamic performance and by facilitating the introduction of fuel-efficient engines such as Counter-Rotating Open Rotors, which are able to realise up to 25% fuel and CO2 savings.
The multidisciplinary ACASIAS project (www.acasias-project.eu) has developed four innovative aircraft structures with multifunctional capabilities:
- A composite stiffened ortho-grid fuselage panel for integrating Ku-band satellite communication antenna tiles.
- A sandwich lining panel with integrated actuators, sensors and wiring for reduction of Counter Rotating Open Rotor engine cabin noise.
- A smart winglet with integrated Very High Frequency (VHF) communication antenna.
- A Fibre Metal Laminate panel with integrated VHF communication slot antenna and with an integrated Global Navigation Satellite System antenna.
The ACASIAS project brings together 11 partners from 6 countries covering the three main disciplines required: composite structures, advanced antennas and miniaturised sensors in a multidisciplinary project.