THERMOPLASTIC AIRCRAFT FLOOR PANELS, TECHNOLOGIES, AND APPLICATIONS

A new aircraft floor panel concept, featuring continuous fiber reinfor ced thermoplastic skins, has been developed The concept is based mainl y on the exploitation of the thermoforming possibilities of this mater ial. An example is the folding of the top skin at panel edges, signifi cantly increasing durability in these areas. Another feature is that a n integral pigment can be applied, assuring color stability even after heavy wear and tear. The panels are particularly suited for those app lications which are prone to damage, for example, cargo compartments. Following a trial with a Fokker 100 aircraft, ongoing since 1991, glas s/PEl reinforced panels were introduced in series production in 1993. The panel concept was proven for performance parameters such as durabi lity and cost. The new Airbus A300/600ST transport aircraft is fitted with the new floor panel concept, also incorporating an integral anti- slip top surface. Thermoplastic panels are used in non-aerospace appli cations as well. An example is the deck house of a high-speed pilot be nt, used by the Dutch harbor authorities. Present developments focus o n further exploiting the possibilities of the material such as high-sh ear carbon/PEI skins and welded thermoplastic inserts. These innovatio ns will be applied in Gulfstream V corporate jet floor panels.