Cross-domain collaboration and cross-pollination of knowledge and technologies
Synergies between domains strengthen the need to bring the Air, Sea, and Land platform developers to jointly address shared challenges. While the scale and nature of these challenges may differ across domains, the experience and insights gained will benefit all stakeholders, especially in the structural joining, maintenance, and repair of composite and multi-material structures. Furthermore, MaJoR will establish an autonomous EU-wide network to test and qualify European-developed defence capabilities by advancing key technologies to TRL 6/7.
Air Domain
Within the MaJoR air domain, the development of an airframe for a remote carrier, an unmanned aerial platform, is a key objective. This platform will be designed to be highly adaptable and flexible, allowing it to be easily configured to meet the specific requirements of various missions, thereby enabling it to effectively support the EU‘s operational needs.
The project’s primary focus will be on achieving ‘attritability’, which involves combining affordable and efficient production in large quantities using readily available raw materials within the EU‘s sovereignty. This will be achieved through an overall design that also enables fast and easy in-field maintenance, without compromising performance and overall offensive capabilities. In terms of maintenance, MaJoR will contribute to the development of new repair capabilities, including rapid repair methods for metallic structures.
Requirements
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Significant striking power, adequate flight performance / maneuverability
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Great flexibility / modularity
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Significantly lower cost compared to the 6th Generation Fighter.
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“Attritable” aircraft, with reduced life span
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Assuring structural integrity after repair
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Increase availability of A/C by increasing lifetime
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Reduced environmental footprint
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Multi-material composite & metallic repairs
Sea Domain
Within the MaJoR sea domain, the development of an integrated mast module for naval vessels is a key objective. This module will be designed to enable future European fleets to operate for extended periods at sea while providing critical support to all battlefield arenas and projecting European naval power.
The project’s primary focus is on designing and producing a lightweight composite structure that integrates multiple functionalities, including communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. This innovative approach prioritizes enhanced maintainability, repairability, and survivability in diverse operational environments, ultimately enhancing the performance and effectiveness of European naval vessels.
Integrated Mast Module
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Saving weight, for more payload in topside by carbon fiber composites module
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Saving space, in congested topside by functional integration within the structure
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Integration of functions like EMC signature, ballistic protection, sensors and fire safety
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Cost efficient assembly and outfitting with joints with integrated functions; inserts; assembly at steel yard conditions
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Operational effective in harsh naval loads environment with structural health monitoring, reparability, sustainability.
Land domain
Logistics truck cabin
Within the MaJoR land domain, the development of an armoured truck cabin is a key objective. This cabin will be produced using composite materials to reduce its overall weight, thereby increasing the range and manoeuvrability of the truck across challenging terrains, while maintaining adequate protection for its occupants.
The project’s primary focus is on ensuring the survivability of personnel within the cabin by integrating advanced armoured plating, developed through effective multi-material bonding techniques. This innovative approach enables the protection of occupants from external hazards, making it particularly suitable for applications such as Armoured Personnel Carriers. By leveraging this technology, the weight saved on the structure can be used to improve IED protection and increase personnel survivability.
Requirements
- Lightweight fibre composite upper hull
- Maintenance and repair of fibre composite hull
- Structural Health – / Health & Usage Monitoring
- Composite hull to metallic floor joint
- Acceptance / Certification test standards for adhesives & adhesive joints
- Evaluation of adhesives for application in armour
- Automation of armour manufacture
- Maintenance & repair techniques for armour