Spirit develops new carbon fibre aircraft fuselage panel

“Our new disruptive technology will offer step-change improvements in terms of cost and weight,” said Spirit Aerosystems senior director of research and technology Eric Hein in a press release by Spirit. “For instance, our integrated sheet stringer, an internal fuselage support component, can be formed in place, eliminating many of the processes used today. This includes a separate stringer forming line and elimination of multiple tools.

“Multiple new technologies are integrated within this solution. The seamless sheet stringer and skin provides smooth, continuous surfaces for attaching frames and other hardware. Weight savings are achieved by more efficient application of composite fibre tape placement. Non-vented bladder systems used in the aero structures manufacturing process improve quality, and low-cost production tooling reduces overall new programme costs.”

In addition, Spirit is leveraging a new composite material, Toray T1100/3960, that provides enhanced structural performance and QISO braided fabric made by A&P Technology, which offers greater formability. These concepts have been validated by Spirit researchers through hundreds of manufacturing demonstrators and structural tests.

“Spirit is a premier tier-one provider of composite aero structures,” said Hein. “We are shaping a new approach to composite fabrication and assembly.”

Spirit Aerosystems designs and builds aero structures for both commercial and defense customers. With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates sites in the US, UK, France and Malaysia. The company’s core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components for the world’s premier aircraft. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India