paraplane
Well-Known Member
I'd like to ask questions/start a discussion on suitability of composit aircraft for Bush operations in arctic conditions. From what I've seen in construction of tent shelters type for useage in arctic conditions aluminum structures are used predominantly/preferred as aluminum I suppose has less fatigue/failure potential as opposed to fiberglass/graphite structures. Now this assumes much specifically comparing questionable quality unidirectional graphite tent poles to that of aluminum.
My thinking is that take a Sailplane flying at high altitude for example Perlan or aircraft such as Proteus or White Knight. These craft spend considerable time aloft where with wind chill factor temperatures must be extreme/rival sea level arctic conditions.
The comparisons of these to tent poles are not exactly on par yet I imagine there is useful evidence that composit structure could indeed tolerate harsh environments. Just food for thought and exploding options.
My thinking is that take a Sailplane flying at high altitude for example Perlan or aircraft such as Proteus or White Knight. These craft spend considerable time aloft where with wind chill factor temperatures must be extreme/rival sea level arctic conditions.
The comparisons of these to tent poles are not exactly on par yet I imagine there is useful evidence that composit structure could indeed tolerate harsh environments. Just food for thought and exploding options.