Saab has collaborated with Divergent Applied sciences to develop what the businesses describe because the world’s first software-defined plane fuselage utilizing additive manufacturing. The 5-meter-long construction includes 26 distinctive printed components and was produced with out conventional tooling or fixturing. As an alternative, the mission utilized Divergent’s manufacturing platform that mixes industrial laser powder fusion 3D printing with robotic meeting.
The fuselage represents a part of Saab’s broader initiative known as “Software program-Outlined {Hardware} Manufacturing,” led by the corporate’s inner innovation unit, The Rainforest. “We’re asking ourselves the query – In Gripen E prospects get a platform the place they will code mission-critical functions within the morning and fly them within the afternoon. How can we give them the identical degree of software program flexibility, however for precise {hardware}?” stated Axel Bååthe, Head of The Rainforest.
In response to Saab, the additive manufacturing strategy permits load-bearing constructions to comply with optimum load paths reasonably than conventional straight strains and proper angles. The corporate states this methodology can scale back the variety of components in a fuselage by an element of 100 in comparison with standard riveted assemblies. The expertise additionally permits integration of methods like wiring and thermal administration instantly inside the printed construction.
The fuselage has accomplished structural proof-loading checks and is scheduled for flight testing in 2026. This mission builds on Saab’s use of model-based engineering strategies in creating its Gripen E fighter plane, which the corporate says pioneered digital twin expertise in aerospace design and manufacturing. Saab’s purpose is to attain what it calls “CAD in The Morning, Fly in The Afternoon” manufacturing functionality.
Supply: saab.com
