Leamington Spa-based aircraft parts supplier Umeco has said that its Advanced Composites Group (ACG) has won Airbus qualification for its first out-of-autoclave (OOA) pre-impregnated advanced composite material for structural applications.
“This new technology allows larger structures to be constructed for aerospace, automotive and wind applications.
“The strength to weight ratios mean that, in the longer term, these materials could have environmental benefits for transport through greater fuel efficiency,’ said Umeco chief executive Clive Snowden.
Meanwhile, EADS and Abu Dhabi-based investment fund Mubadala have signed a supplier agreement covering production in Abu Dhabi.
Mubadala said that it is to build a composite aerostructures plant, with an initial phase scheduled to be built by early 2010 and start operations in the same year.
The investment company is investing $161 million in the first phase of the plant, and by the completion of the three phases will have invested $500 million in the facility.
EADS and Mubadala said the composite manufacturing facility will first develop ‘full design-to-build capabilities’ in cooperation with EADS, allowing it to become a tier one supplier for the next generation of commercial aircraft.
The plant will produce composite aerostructures for Airbus and ‘potentially other manufacturers.’
The plant will initially provide spoilers and flap track fairings for Airbus A330, A340, A350 and A380 aircraft.
“As part of the agreement, EADS will work with Mubadala Aerospace to develop an engineering Centre as well as research and development facilities in Abu Dhabi. These facilities will be created to provide full design and development capabilities for composite aerostructures.
“As a result, ultimately aerostructures will be designed developed and manufactured in Abu Dhabi,” the two partners said.Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT), a 100 per cent Mubadala-owned company, and EADS will expand maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in Abu Dhabi.
