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Spirit sells off Fiber Materials Inc. business to Tex-Tech Industries

Purchase agreement of high-temperature materials business will be added to Tex-Tech’s specialty textiles and fabrics portfolio following customary approvals.

Leonardo Aerostructures can no longer wait on Boeing solution, explores carve-out, alliances

After continued reductions (-36-41%) in 787 production, this key supply chain link for fuselage sections and other composite parts looks at restructuring options for the Grottaglie facility and Aerostructures Division.

Spirit Q3 financial results raise concern of business viability

Significant anticipated cash deficit and increased operating losses have raised doubts over the company’s ability to continue operations, leading to Boeing and Airbus loan advancements.

Bell V-280 Valor gains clearance for EMD phase, prototype building

FLRAA aircraft featuring composite structures from GKN, Spirit and Unitech moves into design maturation and prototyping for anticipated 2026 flight schedule.

Farnborough Airshow 2024 brings together aerospace innovation, collaboration

The week-long international airshow provided a hub for new announcements made by Boom Supersonic, Airbus, Boeing, GKN, GE, ZeroAvia, Eve, Bell, VoltAero, Eve and Lilium. CW has compiled several below.

Spirit AeroSystems enters negotiations with Boeing, Airbus

Airbus is expected to acquire certain Spirit assets that serve Airbus programs, concurrently with the closing of Spirit's acquisition by Boeing.

ÉireComposites signs extended contract for Spirit aerostructure programs

Under the multi-million euro deal, the Irish company will supply composite parts for Bombardier and Airbus aircraft until 2030.

JEC World 2024 highlights: Forwarding initiatives surrounding sustainability and mobility

Themes at the forefront of JEC World 2024 included solutions for mobility applications and sustainable materials, technologies and processes for composites manufacturing.

People in composites: March 2024

Several companies and organizations serving the composites industry — SGL Carbon, Spirit AeroSystems, ASK Chemicals Group, DITF, LMS and ASTM International — have announced promotions, new hires and management changes this month.

Spirit AeroSystems expands engineering capabilities via Malaysia Design Center

New center is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and a robust team to advance Spirit’s agility and capacity in engineering design and support for global customers.

Broetje-Automation, Spirit complete CCPS project for automating aircraft preform production

Continuous composite preforming system (CCPS) integrates all work steps, from the roll to the stringer, in a fully automated, smaller footprint process, taking the next step for future aircraft programs.

Boeing holds discussions to acquire supplier Spirit AeroSystems

With Spirit AeroSystems under scrutiny for 737 Max manufacturing issues, Boeing is considering buying back its former aerostructures unit.

Innovation Award finalists revealed for JEC World 2024

Returning to the international composites trade show are the Innovation Awards, representing up to 33 finalists in 11 categories that highlight composites innovation excellence and fruitful collaborations.

Skyrora, Spirit AeroSystems collaborate to enhance future U.K. launch capabilities

Spirit’s aerostructures expertise will guide transition from development to full-scale production of Skyrora’s orbital launch vehicles, including the composites-intensive SkyLark L.

Improving carbon fiber SMC simulation for aerospace parts

Simutence and Engenuity demonstrate a virtual process chain enabling evaluation of process-induced fiber orientations for improved structural simulation and failure load prediction of a composite wing rib.

AMRC breaks ground for COMPASS research facility

Boeing-led U.K. innovation facility and research project, to be completed by end of 2024, will provide open access for aerospace and composites manufacturing R&D.

Spirit AeroSystems, Boeing reach price agreement

Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems have signed an agreement redefining pricing structures and funding to boost production efficiency and collaboration for 737 and 787 programs.

NIAR seeks industry experts for new digital twins study

Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute is seeking representatives to assess technology gaps related to virtual commissioning and creation of digital twins.

SMC simulation tool enhances design optimization

CAMX 2023: FiRMA, Engenuity’s new approach to SMC, uses a predictive technique that accurately reflects material properties and determine the performance range an SMC part or structure will exhibit.

Plant tour: Spirit AeroSystems, Belfast, Northern Ireland, U.K.

Purpose-built facility employs resin transfer infusion (RTI) and assembly technology to manufacture today’s composite A220 wings, and prepares for future new programs and production ramp-ups.

New AMRC facility, Boeing program boosts aerocomposites innovation

An £80 million investment contributes to a novel R&D facility in South Yorkshire, U.K., with Boeing as its first major research partner, to support and de-risk new composites and digital technologies and processes for the production of future aerospace components.

Solvay, Spirit collaborate to accelerate composites adoption

Solvay and Spirit AeroSystems have cemented their research and technology relationship on the development of composite aerostructures, to take place in Prestwick, Scotland.

Spirit AeroSystems to build new composite fuselage for HondaJet

A build-to-print composite fuselage and composite bonded frame are part of the work agreement with Honda Aircraft Company for its HondaJet 2600 concept.

Pearl 10X aeroengine nears readiness for flying testbed

The Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engine development program for Dassault’s new flagship aircraft Falcon 10X, complete with a Spirit AeroSystems nacelle, continues to progress toward a 2023 flight test campaign.

VertiJet VTOL gains composites manufacturing expertise from Spirit

Under an MOU, Spirit will be applying its engineering and technology know-how in advanced materials and ultralight structures to Skywork Aeronautics’ defense and commercial platforms.

Loop Technology develops robotic arm for wing box inspection

Part of an R&D project with Spirit AeroSystems, the seven-axis Bravura robotic arm automates inspection and sealing within small spaces like aircraft wing boxes.

MFFD thermoplastic floor beams — OOA consolidation for next-gen TPC aerostructures

GKN Fokker and Mikrosam develop AFP for the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator’s floor beams and OOA consolidation of 6-meter spars for TPC rudders, elevators and tails.

NASA awardees to develop sustainable aviation composite tech

Fourteen Advanced Composites Consortium organizations support the evaluation and development of next-gen thermosets, resin-infused composites and thermoplastics at small scales.

Developing repairs for thermoplastic composite aerostructures

HyPatchRepair project proves feasibility of automated process chain for welded thermoplastic composite patch repairs.

Plant tour: Albany Engineered Composites, Rochester, N.H., U.S.

Efficient, high-quality, well-controlled composites manufacturing at volume is the mantra for this 3D weaving specialist.

Spirit AeroSystems, Joramco sign MRO services cooperation

MOU agreement will provide customers a wide range of repairs to and services of composite and metallic aerostructures.

People in Composites: November 2022

New hires, appointments and changes in executive leadership have been announced by Wickert, Michelman, Altair, Fortify, KraussMaffei and the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA).

One-piece, one-shot, 17-meter wing spar for high-rate aircraft manufacture

GKN Aerospace has spent the last five years developing materials strategies and resin transfer molding (RTM) for an aircraft trailing edge wing spar for the Airbus Wing of Tomorrow program.

Spirit AeroSystems enters five-year collaboration with Infosys

Infosys will provide aerostructures and systems engineering services for product development of aircraft programs and MRO services.

Airbus forecasts commercial aircraft services market to double in value by 2041

Annual market recovery will lead to high demand for highly skilled labor in aviation services. Aviation Week recognizes composite leaders in MRO distinguished by performance, innovation and service.

Plant tour: ÉireComposites, Galway, Ireland

An in-house testing business and R&D focus has led to innovative materials use and projects in a range of markets, from civil aerospace to renewable energy to marine.

Sierra Space, Spirit AeroSystems aim to accelerate the commercialization of space

New, long-term agreement is to lower the cost of access to space, accelerate production of Shooting Star Cargo Modules as part of expanding Dream Chaser spaceplane franchise.

Rolls-Royce reports strong progress in Pearl 10X testing

Composites-intensive aeroengine culminates 1,000+ hours of testing with recent ultra-low emissions ALM combustor, accessory gearbox development, so far proving its reliability and performance requirements.

Upcoming CW Tech Days webinar assesses virtual testing, qualification for composite structures

CW Tech Days: Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures will be held April 21, 2022, and will assess design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins and more.

Airbus partners with Spirit AeroSystems to develop the wings of CityAirbus NextGen

Spirit is responsible for developing and manufacturing the eVTOL’s wings at its Belfast, Northern Ireland facility, where the company has built years of composites manufacturing expertise.

FACC joins international consortium for thermoplastics research

FACC joins Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, Collins Aerospace and GKN Aerospace under the ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC).

Sensors: Data for next-gen composites manufacturing

In the quest for sustainability, sensors are reducing cycle times, energy use and waste, automating closed-loop process control and increasing knowledge to open new possibilities for intelligent manufacturing and structures.

Spirit Aerosystems converts to 100% renewable wind energy in Kansas headquarters

Leading Tier 1 Supplier of composites increases global renewable power usage to 75% toward 30% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

FACC secures composite components project for Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engine

Under the new contract and readmittance to Rolls-Royce high-performing supplier group, FACC will be supplying bypass ducts, maintenance doors, fan track liners, the spinner and cable bushing.

JEC World reveals 2022 Innovation Awards finalists

Innovation Awards celebrate successful projects and fostered cooperation between players in the composite industry, with 30 finalists in ten categories.

Spirit AeroSystems is honored as industry leader in composites manufacturing

Aerospace company awarded the 2021 SME Excellence in Composites Manufacturing (Large Company) for its composite wing spoiler program which optimizes quality, rate and cost.

Expleo extends engineered services agreement with Spirit AeroSystems

The global engineering, technology and consulting service provider leverages expertise in composites, stress and design and advanced automation and AI to shape novel emerging aerospace technologies.

Dolphitech releases MxTTU digital scanning solution

In-service inspection capabilities are made more robust, flexible and portable, with the ability to precisely diagnose a larger inspection area and inspects materials that hinder sound propagation.

The outlook for carbon fiber supply and demand

The picture painted at Carbon Fiber 2021 concerning the current supply and demand for carbon fiber indicates an in-flux, rapidly changing environment across a majority of end markets.

ÉireComposites, Spirit AeroSystems sign multi-million aerospace contract

Contract covers manufacturing of complex composite components, including assembly, part trimming and non-destructive testing (NDT) services for commercial airliners and business jets.

Spirit AeroSystems opens National Defense Prototype Center

The joint project with WSU-NIAR will spur the development of new high-temperature materials and ultra-competitive composites and attract new aviation, defense and space programs.

Spirit AeroSystems inaugurates Aerospace Innovation Centre

AIC established to collaborate with industry and academic partners for R&D of advanced materials, digital manufacturing technologies and processes.

Spirit Aerosystems restructures business model

Spirit Aerosystems will organize around three primary business divisions: Commercial, Defense & Space and Aftermarket.

With CAMX, the composites industry takes a step back toward normal

The symbolism of CAMX is important for an industry and its members who are eager to reconnect on a personal and professional level.

Finalists announced for the 2021 CAMX Award

The CAMX Award will recognize two innovations under its Combined Strength and Unsurpassed Innovation Award that will significantly impact composites and advanced materials.

Spirit AeroSystems Europe delivers first set of A320 Family RTM spoilers

Redesigned spoilers developed via a highly automated advanced manufacturing, out-of-autoclave (OOA) process pioneered by Spirit.

Georgia Tech leads effort to tackle the composite and hybrid materials challenge

New National Science Foundation (NSF) center combines industry and academia, uses analytics, AI to modernize how manufacturers repair composites.

Out-of-autoclave VBO rear spar, thermoplastic ribs target Wing of Tomorrow

French Tier 1 aerospace supplier Daher develops out-of-autoclave materials and process technologies for application in next-gen structures for the Airbus Wing of Tomorrow program.

Composites in aircraft fuselage — now and in the future

What do some of the challenges of composites use on the 787 teach us about composites use on next-generation aircraft?

Spirit AeroSystems, Albany Engineered Composites collaborate to expand hypersonic capabilities

Combination of high-temperature composite, structure capabilities and experience in 3D-woven near-net shape composites to help rapidly scale affordable hypersonic thermal protection systems.

CAMX 2021 industry awards due July 16

Companies are still able to submit applications for the composite event’s CAMX Awards and Awards for Composites Excellence (ACE). Learn more about how to apply.

Teijin Ltd. joins Spirit AeroSystem Aerospace Innovation Centre

Teijin expects to collaborate with Spirit and other AIC members to enhance innovative technology capabilities, including composites, in the aerospace industry.

Spirit AeroSystems named exclusive nacelle provider for Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engine

Spirit’s advanced digital techniques, proprietary tools and composite and fabrication capabilities will be leveraged to enable delivery on all program requirements.

Aerion ceases operations of AS2 business jet

According to Aerion, the decision has been attributed to the lack of funding for the supersonic aircraft.

Spirit AeroSystems Belfast advances LANCA project concept with resin transfer infusion

Spirit AeroSystems Belfast, Northrop Grumman and Intrepid Minds support further development of the Royal Air Force’s unmanned Lightweight Affordable Novel Combat Aircraft (LANCA).

Combining AC and DC dielectric measurements for cure monitoring of composites

Lambient Technologies advances dielectric analysis (DEA) for more reliable, affordable composites manufacturing.

People in Composites: March 2021

UAMMI, Spirit AeroSystems, Chromaflo Technologies and Virgin Galactic announce new hires in the composites manufacturing industry.

University of Delaware TuFF composite material shows high potential for UAM

High-performance, short-fiber composite offers aerospace-grade properties with the potential to offer costs and production rates similar to those found in the automotive industry.

Spirit Aerosystems reports Q4 and full-year 2020 financial results

Revenue was down 55%, primarily due to the effects of the 737 MAX grounding and COVID-19. Total 2020 shipset deliveries was 920, down from 1,791 in 2019.

Spirit AeroSystems to lead MOSQUITO uncrewed fighter development

U.K. government awards £30-million, three-year contract to design and manufacture a prototype supporting more than 100 jobs in Belfast.

Boeing conducts inspections of 787 composite inner fuselage skin

Boeing reports that it is checking the flatness of inner fuselage skins on all undelivered 787s to verify structural integrity.

Spirit AeroSystems reports third quarter earnings

Although Spirit’s revenues declined 58% in the quarter compared to third quarter 2019, CEO Tom Gentile says the company anticipates steady growth going forward as the 737 MAX returns to service.

WSU-NIAR awarded $13.5 million for high-speed missile materials research

Partnership with Spirit AeroSystems will develop manufacturing processes and material characterization for advanced composites for future thermal protection systems.

Automated aerocomposites production: Liquid molding or welded thermoplastic?

Two materials and process approaches are demonstrated for CFRP bulkhead production.

Update: Lower wing skin, Wing of Tomorrow

Airbus is evaluating several advanced composites technologies as part of its Wing of Tomorrow program. Among these is liquid resin infusion of the lower wing skin, being developed by Spirit AeroSystems.

Teijin Ltd. Tenax carbon fiber qualified for Airbus A320neo

Tenax dry reinforcements non-crimp fabrics and braided fibers will form the skins and stiffeners via automated RTM.

Aerion Supersonic, Spirit AeroSystems expand composites agreement

Spirit will expand its work on the composite forward, pressurized fuselage for the AS2 supersonic business jet, leading to full-rate production in 2023.

Spirit AeroSystems receives $80 million Defense Production Act Title III funding

The funding, in national response to COVID-19, will support and expand Spirit’s production capabilities for composites and metallic fabrication.

High-rate, automated aerospace RTM line delivers next-gen spoilers

At Spirit AeroSystem’s Prestwick facility in Scotland, a glimpse of the future of aerocomposites manufacturing in a resin transfer molding line for A320 spoilers.

Spirit AeroSystems pauses work on 20 737 MAX shipsets

The move was made following a request from Boeing that Spirit pause additional work on four 737 MAX shipsets and avoid starting production on 16 737 MAX shipsets to be delivered in 2020.

Boeing pauses 737 MAX delivery and production

Spirit notes that it will take determine a definitive plan with Beoing for the 737 MAX.

Composites suppliers, fabricators respond to coronavirus

Companies across the composites industry supply chain share how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting their businesses, and how they are available to help.

Spirit AeroSystems to power Wichita facility with wind energy

The company’s 12.8 million-square-foot aerospace manufacturing facility will be converted to Kansas wind-generated electricity.

Spirit AeroSystems announces new cost-reduction measures in light of coronavirus

Measures taken include an extended suspension of production for Boeing aircraft and workforce reductions.

Spirit AeroSystems suspends Boeing production work

The announcement follows Boeing’s temporary suspension of Puget Sound production activity due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Spirit AeroSystems acquires Fiber Materials Inc.

FMI is an industry-leading technology company specializing in high-temperature materials and composites for defense.

Spirit AeroSystems opens new spoiler manufacturing facility

The Scotland-based facility will use advanced composites technology for high-volume production of spoilers for the Airbus A320 aircraft family.

SAERTEX extends carbon fiber contract with Bombardier

SAERTEX supplies textile reinforcement materials and carbon fiber noncrimp fabrics, with which Bombardier produces wingskins for the Airbus A220 aircraft at its Belfast facility.

Spirit AeroSystems announces 737 MAX production agreement with Boeing

Under the agreement, Spirit will restart production slowly, ramping up to reach a total of 216 MAX shipsets delivered to Boeing in 2020.

Spirit AeroSystems initiates workforce reductions due to 737 MAX production suspension

Layoffs affecting 2,800 employees have been issued at the Wichita facility, due to ongoing production suspension and expected lower production going forward.

CW's top 10 articles of 2019

It’s time to reflect upon the trends and innovations seen in the composites industry over the past year and contemplate what might be ahead in 2020.

Spirit AeroSystems suspends Boeing 737 MAX production

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, Spirit AeroSystems is suspending production of 737 MAX components pending Boeing’s resumed production timetable.

ACMA hosts third transportation and defense policy fly-in

Forty ACMA members met with nearly 100 members of Congress and staff to advance legislation enabling composites usage in the aerospace and automotive sectors.

Spirit AeroSystems to acquire select assets of Bombardier aerostructures, aftermarket businesses

The deal, expected to close the first half of 2020, includes Bombardier facilities in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Casablanca, Morocco; and Dallas, Texas, U.S.

Spirit AeroSystems implements changes to production schedule following 737 MAX groundings

The company took actions to implement a cost-reduction plan in the second quarter of 2019, following groundings of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Toray Advanced Composites, NCC sign R&D partnership agreement

As a Tier 1 member of the National Composites Centre, Toray Advanced Composites will collaborate with the the NCC on automotive and aerospace R&D programs.

2019 CAMX award, ACE winners illustrate industry trends

Among this year’s award winners are Continental Structural Plastics, the Institut fur Textiltecnik of RWTH Aachen University, LyondellBasell, Fortify, Spirit AeroSystems and more.

NASA announces U.S. industry partners for Moon, Mars programs

The partnerships will advance the commercial space sector and help bring new capabilities to market that could benefit future NASA missions.

2019 Paris Air Show: Highlights

The 2019 Paris Air Show may have lacked the glamour of a new aircraft program announcement, but the composites industry represented is clearly gearing up for next-generation aerospace manufacturing.

Spirit AeroSystems collaborates on Wing of Tomorrow program

Spirit emphasizes use of modeling and simulation software for composite resin infusion technology.

Spirit AeroSystems debuts next-generation composite fuselage panel

The 18-by-12-foot (5.5-by-3.7-meter) demonstrator panel debuted at the Paris Air Show features integrated skin and stringers and offers substantial cost savings combined with strong performance attributes.

Spirit AeroSystems invests in qualification program with Toray prepreg

The world’s largest aerospace tier supplier seizes the opportunity to develop its own allowables for a carbon fiber prepreg, setting an important precedent.

Tackling the aerospace supplier’s dilemma: Scalability

Automation and robotics can go a long way toward increasing capacity and growing a business dedicated to aerospace manufacturing. But Trinity Precision has learned that refining the indirect and unseen aspects of its operations can be just as valuable.

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