RVmagnetics, Airbus collaborate on sensing mat for OOA composite aircraft repair
To be presented at JEC World 2026, the TLR 5-validated technology supports real-time, multi-point monitoring of curing cycles and heat distribution of aircraft structures via passive sensors.
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Source | RVmagnetics
RVmagnetics (Košice, Slovakia) and Airbus (Toulouse, France) are jointly developing a sensing mat designed to modernize composite repair processes in aviation. The innovation replaces traditional thermocouples with an ultra-thin, reusable sensing sheet powered by RVmagnetics’ patented MicroWire technology, which the company says is currently the smallest passive sensor in the world.
Developed to address long-standing challenges in composites manufacturing and repair, the sensing mat enables real-time, multi-point monitoring of curing cycles and heat distribution, preventing air leakages and reducing time to sensorize larger surfaces.
RVmagnetics and Airbus are jointly presenting this technology at JEC World 2026 during the JEC Composites Exchange event planned for March 12 at 2 p.m. (Agora 5 room).
The sensing sheet contains multiple measuring points, and requires only a single connection system. Due to the thin MicroWire, it remains discreet and flexible, adapting to the strong double curvatures of aircraft surfaces. It operates accurately up to 200°C and has been successfully tested across multiple thermal cycles. The system is compatible with conductive and radiation heating technologies and enables up to 80% time savings during sensor installation in out-of-autoclave (OOA) hot bonder repairs.
“With our technology we empower our clients with capabilities covering the whole composite life cycle from monitoring manufacturing process, allowing real-time in situ structural health monitoring during the use, up to the composite repair operations,” says Vladimir Marhefka, vice-chairman of RVmagnetics. “Collaborating with Airbus has allowed us to validate this sensing mat in the relevant environment. We are proud to contribute to setting a new industrial standard for complex composite repair processes.”
Following successful validation at TRL 5, the partners plan to advance toward a prototype phase in 2026, and further industrialization steps.
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