DLR and Airbus test electric nose wheel in taxiing test at Hamburg airport
07.07.2011
On July 1st 2011, DLR’s A320 ATRA (Advanced Technology Research Aircraft) taxied around Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport propelled by an electric nose wheel. In the taxiing tests, researchers and engineers from the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), Airbus and Lufthansa Technik demonstrated a fuel cell-powered electric nose wheel. [more...]
Shaping the future of aircraft construction
30.06.2011
Aircraft design will have to play a major role, too, if the industry is to secure its future in the changing environment. There is potential in that area, too, but given the more recent track record of innovation in aerospace, major shifts in thinking, approaches and investment are needed – and soon. aerotec´s Jens Flottau has done research on what the aircraft of the future will look like. [more...]
Composite materials: tension until the part is done
13.10.2009
The automated processing of composite materials has its perils. For example, it is very important to maintain the correct tension in the fiber tape while it is being laid over the mold. This is necessary in order to allow the machine itself to adapt to even highly demanding compaction conditions and extremely complex surface structures. But such capabilities pose a challenge in terms of controlling the system [more...]
CFRP: What’s holding up automation?
13.10.2009
The manufacture of aircraft structures and components from CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) is urgently in need of stimulus. Manual work still dominates this sector, at the expense of effectiveness and profitability. Although machine manufacturers are still struggling with some problems, progress is being made in the details: An appraisal by aerotec contributor Dr. Barbara Stumpp. [more...]
EDM accepts the challenge
13.10.2009
MTU Aero Engines is not only Germany’s leading engine manufacturer but globally the No. 1 independent provider of commercial aero engine maintenance services. At MTU’s Munich plant Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is used for high-precision machining of stator components and materials’ production.
Grinding is history
13.10.2009
SR Technics, headquartered at Zurich’s Kloten Airport, is currently responsible for supporting around 800 airplanes, and consequently 300 engines and roughly 78,000 components. The Swiss firm opts for EDM instead of grinding, especially for repairing honeycomb structures on jet engines. One successful step towards increased value creation.
Exclusive Interview with Dr. Hannes Zipse and Phillipp Geiges – Titanium attracts cutting specialists
13.10.2009
The aerospace industry is trending towards titanium: Just recently, Airbus/EADS signed an agreement for titanium deliveries with VSMPO-AVISMA, an integrated company of Russian Technologies State Corporation, up to 2020. Titanium machining represents a technological challenge for machine tool manufacturers and also opens the door to a new sales market for many companies, including the Nürtingen-based company Heller. aerotec contributor Manfred Lerch talked to Sales Manager Dr. Hannes Zipse and Sales Engineer Philipp Geiges about the progress that has been achieved so far.
Very Light Jets with a huge potential
13.10.2009
The European market has a high potential for manufacturers of Very Light Jets (VLJ). The expected number of total deliveries adds to about 439 VLJ’s by 2018, which average a market potential of about $ 1 billion. The current backlogs in Europe are from air taxi companies, which intend to be operational in the next two to three years.
Aircraft development: 40% cost savings possible
13.10.2009
The regrettable failure of German OEMs such as Grob or Fairchild Dornier is partly due to the huge initial investments involved in the development of new aircraft. This is one of the most important cost saving potentials in aircraft construction, which v-plane engineering GmbH has addressed. The company demonstrates that cost savings of up to 40% can be achieved in aircraft development thanks to rigorous networking of the development environment.
Exclusive-Interview with Minister Sandra Pupatello, Ontario – “Becoming more and more cost competitive”
13.10.2009
Innovative capabilities and the marked ability to respond rapidly to new challenges feature among the key strengths of the aerospace industry in Ontario. aerotec editor Christian Klein spoke to Sandra Pupatello, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, about industrial promotional policies and germinating technology transfer.
