JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #36 - October 2007 - 22

Market survey: Germany example, the Barracuda unmanned UAV demonstrator was produced in Augsburg, where the complete fuselage was manufactured as a double-shell construction and then bonded into one airframe. As we all know, technological leadership is more important than ever in today’s global market because only innovative, highquality products guarantee a top position. I am convinced that in future, our site will remain on the forefront of international competition. Armed with our world-leading VAP process and our innovative products, we feel well prepared for the future. JCM: Are you planning to prospect outside the aviation industry? M. LONSINGER: Yes. For example, we have already entered the maritime business. Here too, Augsburg is setting standards: a membrane made from radar-absorbing material was incorporated into snorkel sheathing made entirely from fibrereinforced plastic. This sheathing has been developed by EADS Military Air Systems and guarantees the stealth capability of all components in the maritime area. In addition to the snorkel for submarine class U 214, Augsburg is also producing numerous components for submarine retractable instruments, including periscopes, ESM, radars and telecommunications boxes. These components need to withstand enormous stresses and are exposed to extreme pressure and meteorological conditions. Evidently, “Aerostructures made in Augsburg” is also open to other markets. Nevertheless, focus will be placed on aerostructures. JCM: EADS was behind the creation of the Carbon Composites Association. What were your reasons, and what do you expect to get out of it? M. LONSINGER: The Augsburg region has developed into a globally leading centre for carbon fibre and fibre composite technology. In order to optimally utilise the region’s know-how, to increasingly develop global markets and to create jobs, renowned companies and research institutions from Southern Germany joined forces last March to set up the Carbon Composites competence network. The region is the world’s best site for such technologies. I am convinced that this leading-edge technology will develop into an innovation driver for the whole of Germany, while creating numerous jobs. The breakthrough of fibre composites is imminent. Carbon Composites is designed as a comprehensive competence network for the entire fibre composite technology value-added chain, from the precursor for fibre production to the finished fibre composite component. The core activities of this non-profit association include crosslinking of know-how carriers from science and industry, bundling of competences, expansion and further development of technological infrastructures on industrial and scientific levels, lobbying, and promoting training and qualification measures. Cargo door and carbon fibre. I don’t believe we depend on the vacuum-assisted process (VAP). More so, VAP is driving us, considering that one of our core competencies in the production of high-tech components is the VAP process for manufacturing CFRP components, our own patented development. VAP is based on an infusion process, with liquid resin being sucked into preformed parts made of high-performance fibre using a vacuum and a special membrane. The savings made using this process (materials and direct production costs) enable us to cut costs by up to 35% in comparison to conventional production processes, with a minimum amount of investment. The latest product based on our proprietary VAP process is the cargo door for the new A400M military transport aircraft. With dimensions of approximately 7 m x 4 m, it is the world's largest aircraft component to be manufactured using VAP technology. We are also involved in the production of the B787 rear pressure bulkhead with our VAP technology. Right now, we are in the process of pushing further ahead with the VAP process. In addition, we will be introducing automation to further reduce process time and costs in the future. JCM: What do you hope to accomplish using VAP? M. LONSINGER: Our VAP process enables us to cost-effectively produce high-quality CFRP products. We believe that the complete delivery of stiffened aircraft shells and aircraft sections – which are produced in one shot with integrated stringers – is an important market for this process. For Eurofighter center fuselage JEC Composites Magazine / No36 October - November 2007

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #36 - October 2007

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #36 - October 2007