Leonardo, under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan is participating in the MAM4HP research program. funded by the EU through the NextGenerationEU funds.
Leonardo, under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), is actively participating in the Metallic Additive Manufacturing for High Performances (MAM4HP) research program. This initiative is funded by the European Union through the NextGenerationEU funds and is focused on the development of mechanical components for transmission systems produced through Additive Manufacturing.
The primary objective of the research project is to redesign, using additive manufacturing, the Complex Gearbox Housing of the Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor (NGCTR). The NGCTR is a program funded by the European Commission through Clean Sky 2-Horizon 2020, aiming to develop a new civil tiltrotor. The Complex Gearbox Housing represents a component with high geometric and functional complexity, currently manufactured using traditional processes.
Leonardo will receive a grant of €87,475.00 as part of the NextGenerationEU funding for the MAM4HP project. The research will be conducted in collaboration with key industry players such as Ducati, Bonfiglioli, Poggipolini, Altair, and Juno. Additionally, academic institutions, including the University of Bologna and the Polytechnic University of Turin, will be involved in the project.
The MAM4HP project, with an 18-month duration, will consist of a structural optimization phase and a critical analysis phase of the existing component. The eventual redesign using additive manufacturing aims to incorporate assemblies or functions into a reduced number of elements. The project’s multifaceted objectives include an in-depth exploration of various aspects of design and process phases related to the fabrication of a helicopter crankcase using additive technology. The project will also establish design guidelines for components characterized by high geometric complexity and stringent design requirements.
The primary technical goals of the project include product optimization through the application of Design for Additive Manufacturing principles, process optimization by studying the production process and inspection methodologies, and techno-economic evaluation. The latter involves providing essential elements for preliminary assessments, including forecast estimates and key performance indicators (KPIs), for future dedicated business cases in additive manufacturing.
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Achieving these objectives will enhance the competitiveness of Leonardo Helicopters’ products by introducing Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) techniques in helicopter components or subassemblies. The project aligns with broader industry trends in adopting additive manufacturing technologies for aerospace applications, offering benefits such as lightweighting, design flexibility, and improved performance.
Question- What is the NGCTR program?
Answer- The NGCTR program is a project funded by the European Commission through Clean Sky 2-Horizon 2020, with the goal of developing a new civil tiltrotor.
Question- Who are some of the key industry players involved in the MAM4HP project?
Answer- Some of the key industry players involved in the MAM4HP project include Ducati, Bonfiglioli, Poggipolini, Altair, and Juno.
Question- Will academic institutions be involved in the MAM4HP project?
Answer- Yes, academic institutions such as the University of Bologna and the Polytechnic University of Turin will also be involved in the project.
Question- What are the two phases of the MAM4HP project?
Answer- The project consists of a structural optimization phase and a critical analysis phase of the existing component.
