Moving forward on the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD)
Clean Sky 2’s MFFD program continues to move toward its goal of delivering a welded, thermoplastic composite fuselage demonstrator using next-generation manufacturing processes.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
Victrex, Daher, attain next-gen thermoplastic aircraft panel milestone
The developed panel is a 176-ply laminate, 32-millimeter-thick composite structure and uses Victrex AE 250 PAEK-based thermoplastic composites.
Boom rolls out supersonic test aircraft XB-1
Highlighting a 71-foot-long fuselage, carbon fiber composite airframe and a host of other notable features, the demonstrator will now be headed for its ground test program and a 100% carbon-neutral flight test in 2021.
FRAMES: Full-scale thermoplastic composite aircraft rear-end demonstrator
Clean Sky 2 project led by ESTIA-Compositadour will develop enabling technologies for optimum rear fuselage and empennage.
Airbus reveals new zero-emission concept aircraft
The three concepts — all codenamed ZEROe — each represent a different approach to achieving zero-emission flight. The aircraft could enter service by 2035.
Lilium partners with German airports as regional air mobility hubs
The region spanning North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany will act as an ideal starting point for Lilium’s development of networked mobility, including the all-electric Lilium Jet.
Nikkiso, Airbus partner for UltraFan demonstrator project
The project aims to provide nacelle components for the engine UltraFan demonstrator. Nikkiso’s role is to reduce manufacturing costs by a new out-of-autoclave curing method.
Embraer launches Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions
Like EmbraerX, Eve is dedicated to accelerating the urban air mobility (UAM) market, including the progression and certification of the company’s eVTOL aircraft.
Grace Nehls
Assistant Editor, CompositesWorld
Update: Lower wing skin, Wing of Tomorrow
Airbus is evaluating several advanced composites technologies as part of its Wing of Tomorrow program. Among these is liquid resin infusion of the lower wing skin, being developed by Spirit AeroSystems.
European Commission issues call for clean aviation partnerships
Accepting proposals targeting hybrid electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft in 2 demonstration programs to deliver impact by 2030.
Virgin Galactic completes milestones for Mach 3 aircraft concept
In addition to unveiling the high-speed aircraft design, Virgin Galactic signed an MOU with Rolls-Royce. This follows the company’s completion of its Mission Concept Review and FAA authorization.
U.S. Department of the Air Force-Boeing X-37B team recognized for aerospace excellence
The team received the Robert J. Collier Trophy for advancing the performance, efficiency and safety of air and space vehicles.
HX5 thermoplastic nanocomposite presents an alternative to aluminum for space applications
Alpine Advanced Materials’ HX5 demonstrated retention of 96% mechanical performance with exposure to five million rads of gamma radiation.
Teijin Carbon Europe, UK NCC strengthen carbon fiber partnership
As a Tier 2 partner, Teijin Carbon Europe plans to provide carbon fiber non-crimp fabrics, thermoset and thermoplastic prepreg materials.
Next-generation composites qualification
Fully digital qualification hasn’t yet arrived, but simulation and analysis software continue to evolve and work together with physical testing practices.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
Webinar presentation: Next-Generation Composites Materials and Processes (July 2020)
CompositesWorld hosted on July 28, 2020, a webinar titled, “Next-Generation Composite Materials and Processes.” If you missed the live webinar, you can watch the recording or download a PDF of the presentation.
GKN Aerospace receives keys to Global Technology Centre in Bristol
The facility will support GKN’s commitment toward next-gen aircraft technology developments, Industry 4.0 and more.
Leonardo and CETMA: disrupting composites for lower cost and environmental impact
Italian OEM and tier supplier Leonardo works with CETMA R&D to develop new composite materials, machines and processes, including induction welding for in-situ consolidation of thermoplastic composites.
Boom Supersonic to roll out XB-1 demonstrator at virtual event Oct. 7
The supersonic jet, incorporating carbon fiber construction, is slated for first flight in 2021.
Hartzell carbon fiber propellers chosen as option for Cubcrafter aircraft
The three-blade Pathfinder propeller, weighing in at 44 pounds, is an alternative to Hartzell’s two-blade carbon fiber Trailblazer prop.
High-rate, automated aerospace RTM line delivers next-gen spoilers
At Spirit AeroSystem’s Prestwick facility in Scotland, a glimpse of the future of aerocomposites manufacturing in a resin transfer molding line for A320 spoilers.
Automated aerocomposites production: Liquid molding or welded thermoplastic?
Two materials and process approaches are demonstrated for CFRP bulkhead production.
Ginger Gardiner
Senior Editor, CompositesWorld
Narrow UD tapes to bridge the ATL-AFP gap
Automated tape laying and automated fiber placement are similar, but not the same. Can narrow tapes provide a middle ground with advantages of both processes for next-gen aircraft?
Electric short takeoff & landing aircraft addresses e-commerce needs
California-based Airflow's eSTOL aircraft promises cost-effective, rapid delivery of cargo within a distance range of 50-200 miles.
Reading tea leaves: The outlook for aerospace
The coronavirus pandemic promises to wreak havoc on the aerospace composites supply chain, but it’s not too soon to start thinking about how a post-pandemic commercial aerospace market will evolve.
Clean Sky 2 program highlights NEWCORT and DIMES project
The projects focus on technologies that can detect pre-existing damage and improve composite repairs for next-generation aircraft.
Wisk resumes eVTOL aircraft flight testing
Following the coronavirus pandemic, flight testing of the all-electric aircraft, Cora, resumes in the U.S. and New Zealand.
Epic delivers first all-carbon fiber E1000 aircraft
Epic Aircraft delivers a composite, single-engine turboprop aircraft to customers despite recent pandemic-related setbacks.