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Hexcel advances A350 structural support

Posted 20 February 2018 · Add Comment

Hexcel - whose HexPly M21E/IMA carbon fiber/epoxy prepreg is used to manufacture all composite primary structures of the A350 XWB - has (for the first time on an Airbus aircraft) had its HexMC carbon fiber/epoxy molding compound used for the A350-1000 fuselage crutches.

Above: The Airbus A350-1000 in the foreground is the larger version of the A350-900 seen behind; the A350-1000 is seven metres longer, features modified wing trailing-edges, six-wheel main landing gears, and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines – the most powerful engine ever developed for an Airbus jetliner.

Hexcel’s composite materials make a significant contribution to the weight savings, performance and fuel efficiency of both aircraft in the family, the A350-900 and the A350-1000. This stretched version of the aircraft is seven metres longer than the A350-900 and carries an additional 40 seats. Both versions are powered by latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

Hexcel’s HexPly M21E/IMA carbon fiber/epoxy prepreg is used to manufacture all composite primary structures of the aircraft, including the fuselage panels, keel beam, wing and empennage. The lower wing cover is the biggest single civil aviation part ever made from carbon fibre and spans 32 metres long. A further advancement is the introduction of CFRP in other structural components such as the pylon upper spar and door surround. For the first time on an Airbus aircraft, Hexcel’s HexMC carbon fiber/epoxy molding compound has also been used for the A350-1000 fuselage crutches.

Hexcel congratulated Airbus on delivering the first A350-1000 to Qatar Airways earlier today, following successful FAA and EASA Type Certification on 21st November 2017. Nick Stanage, Hexcel Chairman, CEO and PResident said: "I send my congratulations to Airbus on delivering the first A350-1000 to Qatar Airways. Hescel is proud to be a partner-supplier to Airbus and to have Hexcel carbon fibre and composite materials incorporated into so many structural parts in the A350 XWB family."

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