KittyHawk plane wins recognition for wing carbon structure

The designer of the first carbon blended-wing airplane, VX-1 KittyHawk, has won an award for its innovative use of high performance composite. VX Aerospace's revolutionary KittyHawk stands out from other aircraft due to its original  blended-wing  carbon  structure.  KittyHawk has the advantages  of  traditional blended-wing  aircraft but enhanced by  today’s  state-of-the-art concepts,  materials  and  manufacturing  techniques.    This  one-of-a-kind configuration  combines  dynamic  stability  and  aerodynamic  efficiency.    

Also, the use of high-performance composites has made the structure achieve low density, high damage tolerance and require fewer parts. VX Aerospace has partnered with CHOMARAT,  whose  C-Ply reinforcement made it structurally possible to develop the KittyHawk. Other collaborators in the project are Stanford University, North Carolina State University and University of South Carolina, according to VX-Aerospace CEO Bob Skillen.

The C-Ply composite reinforcements developed by CHOMARAT are designed to optimize the fiber performance.  They  give  the  structure  properties  like low  weight,  structural  efficiency,  durability  and  make  it  easier  to manufacture.  These properties and the innovative aircraft design allow for a large payload space. Furthermore, for the same payload space, its carbon footprint can be reduced compared to other aircraft through the  optional  use  of  alternative  fuels  such  as  compressed  natural  gas  (CNG).  When  CNG  is  used,  the  VX-1 KittyHawk emits 40% less pollution than other aircraft.  

C-Ply is  the  fruit  of  collaborative  work  between  CHOMARAT  and  Stanford  University’s  Dr.  Steven  Tsai,  who developed the concept of bi-angle thin-ply NCF.