ATI outlines development priorities for UK aerospace composites

Launched at Farnborough International Airshow today, this new composites framework for growth identifies the technologies, capabilities and industrial actions required to secure increased market share as aerospace demand accelerates.

Although around half of the structural weight of aircraft such as Boeing’s 787 or Airbus’ A350 are manufactured from composites, the next generation of ultra-efficient aircraft are expected to feature higher proportions of composite materials across wings, engines and systems, which is where the UK traditionally excels.

Securing this work in the UK requires demonstration of integrated, certifiable and scalable industrial systems by the end of the decade that can design, manufacture, qualify and deliver high-value composite products at unprecedented rates.

Securing inward investment

A Framework for Growth: Securing the UK’s Composites Advantage identifies priority actions that will build a resilient, globally competitive composites sector in the UK, securing future aerospace workshare for UK companies, attracting inward investment, deepening domestic supply chains and protecting critical sovereign capabilities.

Jacqueline Castle, Chief Technology Officer, ATI said: “Composites are key to delivering the ambitious economic and environmental aims set out in the national aerospace technology strategy, Engineering Growth. This framework for growth will ensure the sector is ready to capitalise on the opportunity presented by a new generation of aircraft with technologies demonstrating they are capable of meeting rate, cost and quality requirements.”

Integration with wider industry initiatives

This framework was developed with input from the ATI Composites Working Group, which is formed of representatives across the sector who are invested in developing the national composites capability. Developing this capability will not only position the sector for new work but will also support the successful delivery of major programmes such as Airbus’ Wing of Tomorrow, Rolls-Royce’s UltraFan programme, GKN Aerospace’s ASCEND project, NCC HRMCap, the University of Sheffield AMRC’s COMPASS initiative and Datum Tool Design’s LATCAP project.

Alan Newby, Director of Research & Technology, Rolls-Royce, said: “At Rolls-Royce, we recognise the vital role that advanced composites technologies will play in the future of aerospace. Technologies like this are critical in enabling advanced products such as the UltraFan to secure new market opportunities, such as the next generation single-aisle, which in turn will drive significant economic growth for the UK.

“The ATI Composites ‘Framework for Growth’ is an important step in strengthening UK capabilities, accelerating innovation and supporting a resilient, competitive supply chain.”

James Trevarthen, Principal Engineer – Composites at Dowty, a GE Aerospace company, said: “Composite technology is central to both Dowty’s current products and the next generation of aerospace solutions. For more than 40 years, Dowty has been at the forefront of composite innovation in aerospace, leveraging the durability and aerodynamic performance these materials make possible.

“It has been encouraging to see industry partners, including Dowty, come together in the Composite Working Group to build a shared vision, help align technology funding and research and development efforts, and accelerate the delivery of impactful technology solutions for UK industry.”

Richard Oldfield, CEO, NCC, said: “The transition to next-generation, ultra-efficient aircraft represents a major opportunity that the UK must seize. By focusing our world-class composites expertise on the technologies that matter most, we can strengthen the UK’s global leadership in advanced aerospace engineering. We’re proud to have helped shape a framework that gives industry a clear, shared direction for the years ahead.”