Title:
Economic Alternative to Hand Layup – Are AFP Technologies Suitable for Building a Small Aircraft?
Wirtschaftliche Alternative zum Handlayup – Eignen sich AFP-Technologien für den Bau eines Kleinflugzeugs?
Authors:
O. Hellbach, M. Beyrle, J. Faber
Abstract:
This work aims to identify the most suitable production technology for manufacturing fuselages for small aircraft and is divided into two parts: First, requirements for the manufacturing process and material are defined and prioritized in collaboration with a small aircraft manufacturer and a company from the fiber composite industry. Selection and evaluation criteria for the production technologies are derived from this. In the second part, a process evaluation is conducted. The winding and laying of carbon fiber-reinforced tapes are compared as potential manufacturing technologies. Laying, which proves to be the more suitable technology, is subdivided into three subtypes: Automated Fiber Placement of thermoset prepregs (TS-AFP), Dry Fiber Placement (DFP), and Thermoplastic Automated Fiber Placement with in-situ consolidation (TP-AFP). These processes are examined and evaluated with regard to the requirements defined in the first part. Based on this evaluation, the TS-AFP process receives the highest score. The DFP process is the second most suitable. As of today, the TP-AFP process is the least suitable, but has the highest future potential.
Event:
Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2025, Augsburg
Location, Year:
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V., Bonn, 2026
Format:
21,0 x 29,7 cm, 9 Pages
Descriptors:
EN: Automated fiber placement, production technologies, processes, lightweight construction, in-situ consolidation
Citation:
Hellbach, O.; Beyrle, M.; Faber, J. (2026): Wirtschaftliche Alternative zum Handlayup – Eignen sich AFP-Technologien für den Bau eines Kleinflugzeugs?. DGLR Published Conference Papers. Volume 4. (2026). ISSN: 2941-3451. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V.. (Text). https://doi.org/10.25967/650082. urn:nbn:de:101:1-2601211358044.969473028640.
Publishing Date:
21.01.2026