CPC B64C 1/061 (2013.01) [B64C 1/40 (2013.01); B64C 2001/0081 (2013.01)] | 16 Claims |
1. An aircraft frame comprising:
a plurality of structural members fabricated from a first type of material, wherein each of the structural members comprises a web frame and a web portion within the web frame;
a plurality of web members fabricated from sheets of a second type of material, wherein each of the web members is fastened to the web frame of a respective structural member of the plurality of structural members to comprise the web portion of the structural member, wherein each of the web members includes a flange along at least one edge thereof; and
a plurality of fasteners for securing the flange of a first one of the web members to the flange of a second one of the web members to create an airgap to accommodate the fasteners, the airgap further providing thermal protection for a joint between the structural members to which the first and second ones of the web members are attached;
wherein the second type of material is stronger than the first type of material such that one of the sheets of the second type of material is lighter weight than a sheet of equal strength of the first type of material; and
wherein the second type of material is more heat-resistant than the first material.
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