Maher Advanced Manufacturing (MAM) has proposed developing two standardized repair kits for composite aircraft structures that have been damaged by small arms. The kits will contain all the necessary tools, equipment, and materials to assess, repair, and inspect the affected areas quickly. The first kit will be for non-critical composite sandwich structures, and the second will be for monolithic composite structures such as skins that play non-critical load-bearing roles. The composite patches in these kits will be designed for worst-case scenarios, such as common calibers like 5.56mm or 7.62mm, and will impact the aircraft at a shallow angle. MAM's approach sets them apart because they standardize the repair process and kit to meet the worst-case scenario. They use an innovative material system called vitrimer, which allows the patch to be custom-shaped to match the damaged section's outer mold line without the need for forming tools. Standardizing the repair process means that every repair is done the same way, reducing the chances of errors or mistakes. This simplifies training and enables continuous improvements to the process and design. The use of vitrimer material is also important because it allows repair personnel to remold the patch to match the aircraft's profile, which is a key issue in the current repair process. This ensures that the repair is permanent and that it will not negatively affect the aircraft's performance or limit the repair's lifespan. Overall, MAM's approach to repairing battlefield damage is innovative and highly effective. By standardizing the repair process and kit and using vitrimer material, they ensure quality repairs and improve efficiency. This ultimately results in faster turnaround times and improved platform availability, which is essential in a battlefield environment.
Benefit: The benefits of this patch kit approach are it can be done at the airfield without returning to a full depot. The aircraft can be flight ready much quicker and with minimal impact on vehicle characteristics. These patch kits could be used in many military and commercial aerospace programs as a means of keeping a plane or vehicle in service until more in-depth service is needed, or at a minimum, provide a lower risk repair that enable the vehicle to exit the area to get that more in-depth service
Keywords: NDI, NDI, Repeatable, vitrimer, Aircraft Damage, Repair kit, Standardized
