CompoTech, the composite manufacturing specialist, has been announced the winner of the aerospace category for the JEC Asia Innovation Award for its Composite Aileron, cured in one step.

The innovative composite process and structure aileron was developed with partner company Aero Vodochody Aerospace for the new L-39NG trainer jet. The novelty of the innovation is in both the process and the structure. The process involves applying robot assisted filament laying for the automated production of wing structures. The structure moves away from traditional moulded skin bonded to a bulkhead.

Having the outer skin fibres continuous around the whole structure increases the overall structural integrity. Combined with the fact that there is no core material or secondary bonding required, the homogenous structure has less risk of delamination. Having undergone simulated load and pressure tests the part was used for the L-39NG’s first flight late in December 2018.

Head of business development, Dr Humphrey Carter, thanked JEC and the judging panel for the award. He said: “To be announced as innovation winner is a great accomplishment for everyone at CompoTech. It’s a great reflection of the innovative Composite Aileron we’ve developed in partnership with Aero Vodochody Aerospace, the recognition will help further drive innovation for the future for our customers.”

Dr Robin Poul, head of analytical design, thanked the project partners, Aero Vodochody Aerospace, and their ambition to take the company’s ideas and apply it to the jet aircraft. The manufacturing process, being automated, can be licenced and installed on site or according to a customer’s requirement. This can be achieved with CompoTech’s technology support and without the need for multiple processes and the specific composite skills required.

www.compotech.com

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