CFRP grid-stiffened upper interstage structure

Manufacturing of two grid stiffened lattice interstages, intended to cover functional testing and first development flight.Functional testing for one of the interstages (to be carried out by the end user, out of scope of the activity).Optimisation study to provide a sufficient data-pool of feasible designs for future iterations and potential requirements changes

Achievements and status: Both cylinders have been manufactured up to spec and shipped to the end-user. Both cylinders have been accepted by the end-user Benefits: Tailored lattice design parameters to optimise the design for the defined load cases. Mass savings in comparison to traditional monolithic designs of around 50% (of the composite part, without mounted equipment)