Multifunctional Structures to Reduce the Energy Consumption of Future Aircraft with Integrated Ku-Band Antennas

Abstract

The CO2 and NOX emissions of international air traffic must be reduced, making aviation more sustainable, requiring innovative technologies that reduce aircraft fuel consumption. The Horizon 2020 ACASIAS project takes up this challenge by improving aerodynamic performance and facilitating fuel-efficient engines such as Counter-Rotating Open Rotors (CROR). ACASIAS improves the aerodynamics through the conformal and structural integration of antennas into innovative aerostructures. Nowadays, installed aircraft antennas are protruding structures that generate turbulence and aerodynamic drag, thus increasing the fuel consumption, i.e. currently available Ku-band satellite antennas still require exterior installation on the fuselage. Hence, the conformal flush integration of a Kuband SATCOM antenna will reduce the drag, as well as CO2 and NOX emissions. Furthermore, ACASIAS will also reduce maintenance costs and minimise operational delays through structurally integrated antennas, reducing the risk of damage to protruding antennas.