• UTC Aerospace Systems’ composite actuation components can result in up to 30 to 70 percent weight savings  for large commercial aircraft, depending on length of wingspan
• Employees at UTC Aerospace Systems’ Composite Centre of Excellence apply the experience and agility gained from manufacturing composite transmission shafts for Formula  One cars to aerospace applications  
• The Centre’s multimillion dollar automated line produces composite fuel pipes and isolators for the Airbus A350XWB

Hi-res image of UTC Aerospace Systems’ Composite Centre of Excellence in Banbury, United Kingdom, available upon request.

 

PARIS AIR SHOW, June 21, 2017 – The promise of stronger, more durable, lighter weight and less maintenance is a race car driver’s dream; and that’s how UTC Aerospace Systems is helping shape the wing of the future. The company is transferring knowledge used in Formula One high-performance race cars to high-performance actuation systems for commercial aerospace applications. In advancing the industry, UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), established a Composite Centre of Excellence in Banbury, United Kingdom—supporting the demand for lighter, stronger and low maintenance actuation system components that can be produced and delivered to customers in significantly less time than traditional manufacturing.

 

As aircraft manufacturers transition from traditional metals and alloys to composite materials, a host of related systems are being put to the test to match new performance and manufacturing specifications.  For example, the composite actuation components produced at the Centre of Excellence can result in up to 30 to 70 percent weight savings on large commercial aircraft. 

 

“The Centre is home to equipment that utilizes new technologies and an automated production line that can produce a fuel pipe in less than four minutes and with only four weeks lead time,” said Edward Dryden, General Manager, Composite Centre of Excellence, UTC Aerospace Systems. “In addition, our close proximity to leading universities, research centers, a hub of Formula One manufacturers and UTC Aerospace Systems’ Actuation Systems business in Wolverhampton gives us the opportunity to tap into a great knowledge base and exceptional talent pool.”

 

The Centre is currently supplying composite fuel pipes and isolators for the carbon wings of Airbus’s A350XWB. In total, the Centre supplies more than 300 fuel pipes and 20 isolators for the wings.

 

“A key benefit of our composite fuel pipes and isolators is that they help protect the wing from lightning strike damage,” added David Chard, Business Development Director, Composite Centre of Excellence, UTC Aerospace Systems. “And they are built to last the entire life of the aircraft. No maintenance is required.” In addition, the pipes and isolators offer a weight savings at the aircraft level through the removal of lightning shielding. UTC Aerospace Systems will display a composite transmission shaft, fuel pipe and tie rod at the Paris Air Show.  

 

CTG, a UTC Aerospace Systems unit, designs, develops and manufactures advanced composite products and systems for the aerospace industry. CTG has established an international reputation for its innovation, quality and development of composite solutions across a wide business spectrum, including composite pipes and isolators, transmission shafts and structural aircraft tie rods and struts.

https://www.ctgltd.com/

 

UTC Aerospace Systems is one of the world’s largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defense products. UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries, supporting a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities. For more information about the company, visit our website at www.utcaerospacesystems.com or follow us on Twitter: @utcaerosystems

 

United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. By combining a passion for science with precision engineering, the company is creating smart, sustainable solutions the world needs. For more information about the company, visit our website at www.utc.com or follow us on Twitter: @UTC