The next generation of aircraft will need to reduce their CO₂ emissions in many areas. In this project, we are focusing on improving the leading edge of aircraft wings.
The aviation industry is evolving towards a new generation of more fuel-efficient and low-emission aircraft, with a focus on technologies that support electrification, lightweight design and scalable production. The successors to current models require smarter systems that integrate thermal management, structural efficiency and sustainability throughout the entire life cycle.
The SURE LEAD project supports this transition. The forward section of a wing is being improved by developing a new method, preventing the formation of ice. In current aircraft, a warm air stream is directed from the engines to the wing. This consumes a great deal of energy. For future aircrafts, a system is being developed that combines electro-thermal heating mats, a bonded metal structure and high-voltage cabling. This integration enables energy-efficient anti-icing, with minimal weight and high-quality materials. These developments present new technical challenges, such as the interaction between electrical systems, adhesives and metallic materials. This calls for new design methods, new test protocols and new validation strategies.
SURE LEAD focuses on several aspects:
This project is funded bij RVO, Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (the Netherlands Enterprise Agency).
We are developing a new technology to bond different types of composites together. This hybrid technology bonds thermoplastic composites with thermosets. The aim is to make aircraft and other large structures lighter and more sustainable.
SAM XL develops smart robotic solutions for welding ship panels together. This is currently mainly done manually.
Carrying out maintenance quickly and efficiently is essential in the aviation industry. We develop smart software and robotics solutions for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of existing aircraft components.
The digital knowledge of employees in the manufacturing industry is often limited. This project will focus on speeding up the development, broadening and deepening of that digital knowledge.
Research institutions and companies are collaborating to enable the production of lightweight aircraft. The innovative technologies focus on the machining of thermoplastic composites.
The manufacturing sector is in desperate need of digitally skilled staff. Together with other knowledge institutions, SAM XL is committed to fostering versatile expertise in digitalisation and automation.
SAM XL is advancing new technologies for continuous ultrasonic welding and – together with partners – thermoforming of thermoplastic composites so they can be applied in industrial manufacturing of large, lightweight aircraft structures.
SAM XL is developing future production technology using smart robots. These robots can be deployed flexibly: they adapt their operations quickly, without the need for additional programming. This makes variable production straightforward.