Life cycle assessment and cost analysis evaluation of a helicopter's canopy production using different manufacturing processes

Laboratory of Technology & Strength of Materials, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics, University of Patras, Panepistimioupolis Rion, 26500 Patras, Greece

Abstract

In the present work, Life Cycle analysis (LCA) and Life cycle costing (LCC) models were developed in order to quantify the environmental footprint and cost and thus compare different manufacturing scenarios associated with the production of aeronautical structural components. To validate the models developed, they were implemented for the case of a helicopter's canopy processed by two techniques commonly used in aeronautics, namely the autoclave and the Resin Transfer moulding (RTM). The canopy was assumed to be made of a carbon fiber reinforced thermosetting material. Using the models developed the expected environmental and cost benefits by involving the RTM technique have been quantified.