Saab has collaborated with Divergent Applied sciences to develop what the businesses describe because the world’s first software-defined plane fuselage utilizing additive manufacturing. The 5-meter-long construction includes 26 distinctive printed elements and was produced with out conventional tooling or fixturing. As an alternative, the venture utilized Divergent’s manufacturing platform that mixes industrial laser powder fusion 3D printing with robotic meeting.
The fuselage represents a part of Saab’s broader initiative referred to as “Software program-Outlined {Hardware} Manufacturing,” led by the corporate’s inner innovation unit, The Rainforest. “We’re asking ourselves the query – In Gripen E clients get a platform the place they will code mission-critical purposes within the morning and fly them within the afternoon. How can we give them the identical degree of software program flexibility, however for precise {hardware}?” stated Axel Bååthe, Head of The Rainforest.
In keeping with Saab, the additive manufacturing strategy permits load-bearing buildings to comply with optimum load paths reasonably than conventional straight traces and proper angles. The corporate states this technique can scale back the variety of elements in a fuselage by an element of 100 in comparison with typical riveted assemblies. The know-how additionally allows integration of programs like wiring and thermal administration straight inside the printed construction.
The fuselage has accomplished structural proof-loading checks and is scheduled for flight testing in 2026. This venture builds on Saab’s use of model-based engineering strategies in creating its Gripen E fighter plane, which the corporate says pioneered digital twin know-how in aerospace design and manufacturing. Saab’s aim is to realize what it calls “CAD in The Morning, Fly in The Afternoon” manufacturing functionality.
Supply: saab.com
