Developing time estimating models for advanced composite manufacturing processes

To expand further the composites in aircraft structures a consortium of leading aerospace organisations, led by British Aerospace (BAe), is currently engaged in the second phase of the Affordable Manufacture of Composite Primary Structures (AMCAPS II) research and development programme. The aim of this programme is to investigate innovative design, material and manufacturing concepts and technologies with the potential of providing cost‐effective composite primary wing structures. In order to support AMCAPS II tasks within BAe, process time estimating models are being developed for each of the main manufacturing processes being considered for part manufacture and assembly. The outputs from these models form the basic data from which process costs are established. The objective of this paper is to describe, using examples from the automated tape laying process, the approach to model development being applied within the AMCAPS II programme.