Transport aircraft — a challenge for aluminium alloys for the 21st century

Abstract

The anticipated size of the world airliner market over the period 1997-2016, and the resultant requirements for aluminium plate and extrusions to satisfy potential Airbus wing box production is reviewed.

The ‘value’ of technology and the threat posed by polymer composites to the future of aluminium alloys for large transport aircraft wing box structures is discussed and the prospect is raised that there may be limited further development potential for conventional aluminium alloys within the civil transport wing context. This may then force a re-evaluation of the role of aluminium-lithium alloys and other non-conventional metallic materials as alternatives to polymer composites.

Opportunities to maximise the cost-effectiveness of advanced aluminium alloys are discussed and the potential benefits of closer co-operation between the aircraft and aluminium industries highlighted within a joint technical and commercial framework.

The ‘challenge’ to the aluminium industry is described as a continuing requirement to assist the aircraft manufacturer to offer ‘optimum value’ products to the airlines. Otherwise, alternative technologies such as polymer composites will emerge and the pre-eminent position of aluminium in civil transport aircraft will be eroded.