22nd Congress of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, Harrogate, UK, 28 August - 1st September, 2000
Paper ICAS 2000-6.1.2

INSULATION CONCEPT & MATERIAL OPTIMISATION IN BUSINESS AIRCRAFT

C. Bourban, R. Arndt
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., illbruck Special Products

Keywords: thermal, acoustic, insulation, polyimide, polyethylene, foam, fst

Available energy for cabin heating power in large cabin single engine A/C is limited. Thus, the thermal performance of the insulation and its concept are of high importance. Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. together with illbruck Special Products initiated an improvement program for the PC12 insulation (10-seater). The goals were to improve thermal and acoustic performance, to cut down installation time, to reduce water ingress in the insulation material, to simplify inspection and consequently, to reduce overall costs. The insulation concept for the cabin and cockpit consists of cushions clamped between profiles (above floor) and foam plates (under floor). Cushions were manufactured with opencell PI foam blocks bagged in two different polymeric foils. The first is a conventional vapour barrier (inwards) which is heat sealed with the second, a newly developed illbruck foil (outwards). Longerons and frames are insulated with clipped foam profiles, which serve as fasteners for the cushions. Closed-cell foam plates were used in the under floor. All materials and their combination demonstrate FST compliance of FAR 25.853(a) or (b). In-service experience showed significant benefits in insulation manufacturing, installation as well as in maintenance and inspection. Acoustic and thermal performances were improved without notable weight increase. Ongoing developments are devoted to further acoustic and weight reduction, as the modular design of the new insulation concept allows further materials or detail optimisation.

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