Demonstrator development

Within the TAPAS1 project two large, full-scale demonstrator components have been developed, constructed and tested: a fuselage and a torsion box. The demonstrators were built in 2012 and 2013. The torsion box demonstrator has been successfully subjected to a full certification test programme. The fuselage has demonstrated the manufacturability of such a component. Both demonstrators are a prelude to further technology development in the TAPAS2 project, where the technology for the thermoplastic skin fields of the torsion box will be brought to TRL6 in 2015 and the box as a whole, to TRL 6 in 2017. Fuselage technology will be brought to TRL4 in 2017. In TAPAS2 demonstrators will also be developed for the engine mounts.