Airbus confirms switch to composite frame on A350 XWB
Thursday September 20, 2007
In a major about-face, Airbus confirmed to ATWOnline that it has ditched the aluminum frame for a composite frame on the A350 XWB.
The move comes after key customers ILFC and Emirates expressed concerns about maintenance on an aluminum structure. At the Paris Air Show in June, ILFC Chairman Steven Udvar-Hazy told this website that he would try to convince Airbus to change to the all-composite structure. "There is still time for Airbus to go for composite panels on a composite frame," he said. At the time, Airbus was adamant that it would not change from the aluminum frame.
An Airbus spokesperson said yesterday that the decision was taken for "simplification of maintenance." The company expects to complete design refinement by year end with first delivery in late 2013. As part of its Power8 restructuring program, it is seeking "risk sharing partners" to take over metallic material production facilities and transform them into plants developing and producing composites.
With this significant design change, the A350 XWB emerges as potent threat to Boeing's 787-9, 777-200ER and the lower end of the 777-300ER market. The move also applies pressure on the US manufacturer to fast-track its replacement plans for the 777-300ER and -200LR. Boeing insiders have told ATWOnline that an "all-composite new aircraft response" is likely.
by Geoffrey Thomas
ATWOnline
Thursday September 20, 2007
In a major about-face, Airbus confirmed to ATWOnline that it has ditched the aluminum frame for a composite frame on the A350 XWB.
The move comes after key customers ILFC and Emirates expressed concerns about maintenance on an aluminum structure. At the Paris Air Show in June, ILFC Chairman Steven Udvar-Hazy told this website that he would try to convince Airbus to change to the all-composite structure. "There is still time for Airbus to go for composite panels on a composite frame," he said. At the time, Airbus was adamant that it would not change from the aluminum frame.
An Airbus spokesperson said yesterday that the decision was taken for "simplification of maintenance." The company expects to complete design refinement by year end with first delivery in late 2013. As part of its Power8 restructuring program, it is seeking "risk sharing partners" to take over metallic material production facilities and transform them into plants developing and producing composites.
With this significant design change, the A350 XWB emerges as potent threat to Boeing's 787-9, 777-200ER and the lower end of the 777-300ER market. The move also applies pressure on the US manufacturer to fast-track its replacement plans for the 777-300ER and -200LR. Boeing insiders have told ATWOnline that an "all-composite new aircraft response" is likely.
by Geoffrey Thomas
ATWOnline
