Survivability of multispar cocured composite wing structure

This paper is directed at the experimental evaluation of failure mechanisms and modes of failure that occur during the ballistic impact of fuel containing fighter wing structure. This has been accomplished through the testing of an advanced all composite structural design with a cocured lower wing surface, and comparing its vulnerability with a conventional aluminum substructure with composite skins that are mechanically fastened. This paper also discusses the design techniques applied in the development of the composite test components to reduce the structural vulnerability, the manufacturing strategy, specimen configuration and test methodology.