European Design Engineer : Use of composites in aircrafts set to grow

Eurofighter 70% composite materials used

For the complete report from the European Design Engineer click on this linkUse of composites in aircrafts set to grow

State-of-the-art fighter aircraft already make extensive use of composites. On the Eurofighter Typhoon, for example, over 70percent of the aircraft shell is comprised of carbon-fibre composite (CFC), namely the outer fuselage, wings (including in-board flaperons) and rudder. In addition, a significant proportion of the structural members are also constructed from CFC. The Typhoon’s radome has a complex layered glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) structure that is manufactured using high-accuracy automated processes.

Few people would predict that commercial airliners will make such extensive use of composites, though some believe that composites could well account for up to 50percent of the weight of future aircraft. Meanwhile, the AirbusA380 is said to be approximately 25percent composite by weight.