Evolution of U.S. Military Aircraft Structures Technology

Abstract

A survey of the major structures technology developments that have ineuenced modern aircraft design is presented. The authors’ perspectives on the key materials and design concepts that are presently driving U.S. Air Force and Navy military airframes are presented. The current focus of research and development (R&D) structuraldevelopmentresourcesandthereasonsforthisfocusareaddressed.Somethoughtsonhowtoapproachfuture designs are provided, and the structures technologies that are expected to be the focus of future R&D efforts are identieed.