WICHITA, Kan., June 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit
AeroSystems [NYSE: SPR] today announced it has developed new
production methods for carbon fiber composite materials that will
enable lower costs and higher production volumes for future
aircraft components. The ASTRA (Advanced Structures Technology and
Revolutionary Architectures) panel, a full-scale demonstration
fuselage panel using this new proprietary architecture, is on
display starting today at the Paris Air Show.
"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. "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,
Hein explained. 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 fiber tape placement. Non-vented
bladder systems used in the aerostructures manufacturing process
improve quality, and low-cost production tooling reduces overall
new program 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
aerostructures," Hein added. "We are shaping a new approach
to composite fabrication and assembly."
To see the ASTRA panel and learn more about the process, visit
the State of Kansas booth in USA
Pavilion, Hall 3, Stand 3-C98.
On the web: www.spiritaero.com
On Twitter: @SpiritAero
About Spirit AeroSystems Inc.
Spirit
AeroSystems designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial
and defense customers. With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates
sites in the U.S., U.K., France and Malaysia. The company's
core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing
components for the world's premier
aircraft. Spirit AeroSystems focuses
on affordable, innovative
composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions to support customers
around the globe. More information is available
at www.SpiritAero.com.
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SOURCE Spirit AeroSystems Inc.