Home / News / Aircraft made with Diab’s Divinycell bags ret dot award

Aircraft made with Diab's Divinycell bags ret dot award

13 Oct '16

2 min read

Composite sports aircraft made by Swedish aerospace developer, Blackwing, using Divinycell matrix composite materials by Diab, producers of composite core material development for marine, wind energy, transport, and aerospace, has bagged the 2016 Red Dot Design: Best of the Best award, an internationally recognised quality seal, for product design.

Verena Knaust, an experienced German industrial designer based in Sweden, was responsible for the look and feel of BlackWing. Knaust's final design includes a roomy cockpit, a modern and ergonomic panel as well as a uniquely low-cut canopy that offers unparalleled visibility.

The BlackWing's innovative geometry is based on hundreds of hours of simulations and testing. The result is the first aircraft in its class capable of speeds up to 400 km/h with a cruise speed of 270 km/h. The unique wing design reduces interference drag with backswept tapered “winglets” that optimise short take offs and give an excellent climb rate. The design lets the plane offer both predictable flight characteristics as well as powerful performance, making it equally suited to basic flight training as well as advanced aerobatics.

Working with Diab, BlackWing selected Divinycell Matrix 10-8 for the aircraft. Divinycell Matrix materials offer high mechanical properties at a low weight and can withstand wind speeds of up to 60 m/s, making them ideal for aerospace applications. Matrix 10-8 can also tolerate extremely high temperatures, which was important for BlackWing's prepreg process requirements.

The use of these composites with a high strength-to-weight ratio is what makes the BlackWing “ultralight.” The aircraft has an empty weight of just 297.5 kg, contributing to its notable performance capabilities.

Held annually in Essen, Germany, the Red Dot Design Awards assess products according to strict criteria that include degree of innovation, functionality, and ecological compatibility. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India