Light aircraft cockpit safety

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project to increase the cockpit security of the aircraft is well met. The studies in the different safety-critical areas that this project has made possible, has altogether resulted in a large contribution to increase both the active and passive safety. These areas are often almost neglected in the area of light aircraft, which means that the aircraft´s customer value has clearly been strengthened, which will give the aircraft a significantly improved competitive position.

Results and expected effects

The research results are made visible to a large extent in both the virtual and physical mockup, but also in many small thoughtful choices and solutions that are implemented. Extra time has been allowed to all the parts that together enhances security, from the firewall thermal conductivity to crash protection and the comfort of the seat. The impact of the research project is primarily a strengthened market position in the high quality segment of light aircrafts and an expanded network that surely will be useful in future product development efforts.

Approach and implementation

Basically, the project has followed the original plan (although with an extended timeline). Aside from Chalmers the contacts with scientists and experts have been more informal (non-report form) than originally intended. In the process, the physical mockup was kept as flexible as possible, while the digital mockup got a bigger role than what was initially planned (partly because the cooperation with Chalmers was mostly done digitally). The above is the main reason for the budget change from services to man-hours.