Airframe

Question 1

What is the airframe constructed of?

Answer 1

Mainly built with composite Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic, a.k.a. GFRP. Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic, a.k.a. CFRP is used to strengthen the frame in places.

Question 2

What shell structure does the DA40 use, and explain what it means

Answer 2

Semi-monocoque structure. Semi-monocoque uses supports and braces as an internal skeleton to help hold its shape.

Question 3

What is used to help with fire resistance in the aircraft?

Answer 3

Cabin side of the firewall has fire resistant matting, while the engine side uses stainless steel cladding.

Question 4

How are the wings constructed?

Answer 4

The wings are made of a front and rear spar, and a top and bottom shell resulting in a “sandwich” construction style. They also have an aluminum fuel tank in each wing.

Question 5

How is the tail constructed?

Answer 5

The tail, otherwise known as the empennage, has a T-top design. The tail is built with twin spars without the sandwich style construction.