Skolkovo scientists have developed a wing for a new generation of unmanned aircraft, where the usual composite panels will be replaced by a lattice caisson. The patent has already been registered in the FIPS database.
This approach makes the wing both lighter and stronger: the upper and lower panels, spars and ribs are assembled into frames with longitudinal, diagonal and transverse ribs designed for bending and shear loads.
The diagonal ribs of the upper and lower panels are installed at an angle of 30–35°, the spars and ribs — 40–50°, which ensures maximum rigidity with minimum weight. According to the developers' calculations, the lattice caisson reduces the weight of the wing by 15% and increases structural strength.
Assembly is carried out on technological equipment — first the frames, then fixing the ribs and sheathing with heat-shrinkable fabric, thermo-compression molding.