The Benefits Outweigh the Burden
In a collaborative effort, the UK government, industry heavyweights like Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, and research institutions such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and universities with aerospace composites expertise, have joined forces to advance composite materials for the UK's aerospace industry. The goal is to increase the market share sixfold by 2050.
The shift from metallics to composites has been accelerating as the aerospace sector chases manufacturing and operational efficiencies. Composite materials, known for their lightweight properties, enable new aerodynamic concepts such as aero-elastic tailored structures and laminar flow wings. This shift is critical for a new generation of ultra-efficient aircraft.
The use of composites in civil aerospace applications has been increasing steadily since the 1940s. Today, over 50% of the weight of modern aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing B787 is made up of composite materials. The CNC machining of honeycomb cores often requires high accuracy and a particular cutting strategy with specific tools.
The UK's Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) concluded that the UK could grow its market share in aerospace composites by more than six times to 2050. To achieve this, the sector is being called upon to align around a clear strategy that directs funding and activity to create a coherent and competitive national capability.
Meanwhile, in the world of space exploration, Orbex has successfully completed its first full simulation of the Prime vehicle launch, marking a key technical milestone as it prepares to deliver orbital launch services from the UK next year.
Elsewhere, Woodward Inc plans to build a precision manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. Boeing has also reinforced its long-term investment in the region by launching its new Engineering Center within the Cici & Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology at Embry‐Riddle Aeronautical University's Research Park.
Recent developments also include Syensqo achieving FAA-sponsored NCAMP qualification for its PRISM EP2400 epoxy resin system in combination with Teijin Carbon's Tenax IMS65 E23 24K Non-Crimp Fabrics (NCF) and woven unidirectional (UD woven) reinforcements.
Britten-Norman has reached a major milestone in bringing full aircraft production of the Islander aircraft to its Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight.
On current market predictions, the ATI estimates that the value of composite components on future ultra-efficient platforms will total more than £65bn to 2050, just considering the wings. The UK's ambitious plan to advance composite materials in the aerospace industry promises significant growth and innovation in the coming decades.
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