Composite wing panel

Abstract

A composite wing panel is disclosed. In one embodiment, a wing panel for an aircraft includes an external skin having a substantially smooth laminar surface, the external skin including multiple layers of a cured material; a sealed core material located within the external skin, the core material having first and second side opposing sides and having been substantially evacuated of air; and a support element disposed within the external skin, the external skin and support element being co-bonded or co-cured together.

1 - 90 . (canceled) 
   
   
       91 . A wing panel for an aircraft, comprising:
 an external skin having a substantially smooth laminar surface, the external skin including multiple layers of a cured material;   a sealed core material located within the external skin, the core material having first and second side opposing sides and having been substantially evacuated of air; and   a support element disposed within the external skin, the external skin and support element being co-bonded or co-cured together.   
   
   
       92 . The wing panel of  claim 91 , wherein the external skin includes at least two layers of a laminate material. 
   
   
       93 . The wing panel of  claim 91 , wherein the sealed core material comprises:
 a thermoplastic barrier layer on at least one of the first side and the second side of the core material.   
   
   
       94 . The wing panel of  claim 93 , wherein the sealed core material comprises:
 an adhesive layer between the core material and the thermoplastic barrier layer.   
   
   
       95 . The wing panel of  claim 94 , wherein the sealed core material comprised:
 a support layer between the core material and the adhesive layer.   
   
   
       96 . The wing panel of  claim 91 , wherein the sealed core material comprises:
 a first support layer disposed on the first side of the core material;   a second support layer disposed on the second side of the core material;   a first adhesive layer disposed on the first support layer;   a second adhesive layer disposed on the second support layer;   a first thermoplastic barrier layer disposed on the first adhesive layer;   a second thermoplastic barrier layer disposed on the second adhesive layer;   a first laminate layer disposed on the first thermoplastic barrier layer; and   a second laminate layer disposed on the second thermoplastic barrier layer.   
   
   
       97 . The wing panel of  claim 91 , wherein the internal support element includes a spar. 
   
   
       98 . The wing panel of  claim 97 , wherein the internal support element includes a rib. 
   
   
       99 . The wing panel of  claim 98 , wherein the internal support element includes a fuel tank. 
   
   
       100 . The wing panel of  claim 99 , wherein the internal support element includes an attachment hard point.