Feasibility study of the introduction of fuel pressure in the fuel tank for increased flight altitude

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project is to analyze how today´s fuel tanks on CybAero helicopters can handle internal overpressures and propose changes that improve this performance. A secondary, yet important, goal is that the project makes an important contribution towards CybAero´s carbon fiber composite design, something that can be transferred in future development work of lightweight components. CybAero´s remote controlled helicopters are available in different variants to suit different customer segments.

Expected results and effects

An important accomplished goal is that the glue forming design was spread to CybAero´s own designers as well as to CybAero´s subcontractors. Thereby the entire supply chain was strengthened through increased as CybAero became more competitive (in incoming orders) and with improved design expertise towards subcontractors. Glue joints are also increasingly used to merge carbon fiber products, and more knowledge about how to increase their performance is beneficial to the entire carbon fiber industry.

Planned approach and implementation

The project can be divided into 3 different activities 1. Mapping of the fuel tank´s structure 2. Modeling of the fuel tank in FEM 3. Evaluation of results Activity 1 was conducted together with all partners and mostly hosted by CybAero. Activity 2 and 3 were performed largely by Swerea SICOMP and are documented in a report. Evaluation and action proposals have also been carried out together with all interested parties after calculations, design proposals etc. have been developed.