iscover
Warning: Attempt to read property "name" on false in /data/www/upgrade/australianaviation.com.au/httpdocs/wp-content/plugins/momentummedia-article-gate/includes/class-momentummedia-article-gate.php on line 169
Warning: Undefined array key "image-size-770" in /data/www/upgrade/australianaviation.com.au/httpdocs/wp-content/themes/australianaviation/functions.php on line 1310
Warning: Trying to access array offset on null in /data/www/upgrade/australianaviation.com.au/httpdocs/wp-content/themes/australianaviation/functions.php on line 1310
Rio Tinto subsidiary Alcan has released a new lightweight aluminium alloy which could compete against advanced composites, particularly on new generation narrowbody aircraft.
Called AirWare, the new line of alloys is up to 30 per cent lighter than current alloys thanks to its lower density and strength, which means that less material needs to be used. As such, it could become a cost-effective competitor to carbon composite materials for some aircraft, with Bombardier and Airbus reportedly in talks to use the new alloy for some parts of its planned future aircraft.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
While composites have gained in popularity for use on large aircraft such as the Boeing 787 due to their reduced weight compared to metals, concerns about the potential for ground damage and the poor scalability are leading the major manufacturers to consider new alloys for the primary structures of new generation narrowbody aircraft. AirWare also offers an advantage in recycling, with metals still much easier to recycle than composites.
