Lightweight composite concept moves from drawing board to Airbus Germany factory
Production has begun of a new lightweight composite spoiler developed for the A330/A340 at Airbus's plant in Bremen, Germany.
The new design's first application will be on the high gross weight version of the A340-600, which is due to enter service in 2006 with Emirates and Qatar Airways.
Airbus says that the development is part of a programme of "continuous technological improvements and will result in benefits in quality, manufacturing efficiency and weight". Work began in 2001 when Airbus became involved in research and development conducted by Austria's Fischer Advanced Composites Components - which specialises in composites manufacturing - in co-operation with Germany's Karlsruhe University.
The research examined the development of a spoiler main fitting using resin transfer moulding technology - resin injection into dry carbonfibre fabric. The concept appealed to Airbus as such fittings could be integrated in the bonding process for spoiler production thereby eliminating the time-consuming assembly of metal fittings. The three A330/A340 spoiler suppliers - Airbus's Bremen and Stade plants, Vought and FACC - worked together on the project.
MAX KINGSLEY-JONES / LONDON
Source: Flight International
