Launch of FusComp program active phase
Tarbes, 28 April 2008
EADS SOCATA has launched today the active phase of the FusComp Reasearch & Development program which takes place within the Aerospace Valley competitiveness cluster.
FusComp (Fuselage Composites), is in the manufacturing study of a composite fuselage prototype to test the vacuum Liquid Resin Infusion (LRI) process and new materials. The design of this proof-of-concept is based on the TBM 850 airframe, pressurized business turboprop aircraft currently produced by EADS SOCATA.
The launch of the active phase was preceded by an official presentation of the program on April 16th to the representatives of participating institutions among whom were Bernard Raynaud, vice-president of the Midi-Pyrenées Regional Council, in charge of economic development, Claude Miqueu, from the Hautes- Pyrenées Department council, and François Jouaillec, COO of Aerospace Valley=.
As well as EADS SOCATA, all technical partners involved in the program attended: Sicomin, Aerovac Systems France, ENIT Tarbes engineering college, Tarbes University Technology Institute and the Jean Dupuy high-school in Tarbes.
In his introductory speech, Jean-Michel Léonard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EADS SOCATA reminded the audience about the ambitions of this Program.
“FusComp is one of the pillars of our strategy. It will allow EADS SOCATA to play in the major league as a composites aerostructures manufacturer and to strengthen our role as a business aircraft manufacturer,” He voncluded. Vacuum liquid resin infusion is based on the molding of high performance composite parts by infusing liquid resin on the fibers (glass, carbon or aramid) instead of prepreg fabrics molded in autoclaves. Main advantages are the use of cheaper material, a more flexible industrial process technology and manufacturing time reduction.
The FusComp project has now entered the active phase with the definition of the fuselage, involving a design office team for two years. In parallel a second team will define the new industrial processes. First parts using new processes will be manufactured in 2009 and the fuselage prototype will be completed in 2011. The FusComp task force will involve up to 50 people including partners, teachers, and students.
FusComp summary
Total budget: € 9.2 million over four years shared between the technical partners (36%), French government (39%), Midi-Pyrenées Regional Council (17%), Hautes-Pyrenées Department Council (6%).
Technical partners:
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Sicomin
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Aerovac Systems France
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ENIT Tarbes engineering college
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Tarbes University Technology Institute
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High-schoolJean Dupuy, Tarbes.
About EADS SOCATA
EADS Socata is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Current products include the TBM family of high-speed turboprops, TB GT piston aircraft, aerostructures for Airbus civil airliners, the A400M military transporter, Dassault Falcon jets, Eurocopter helicopters and Embraer regional jets. EADS Socata is expanding its customer service activities, to support its growing fleet of TBM and offer its light aviation expertise for aircraft below 5.7 metric tons through avionics modernization, maintenance, repair and overall package offers. Headquartered in Tarbes, France, with North American operations in Pembroke Pines, Florida, EADS Socata is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS group.
About EADS
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of €39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programs from Ariane to Galileo. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division, and holds a stake in the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems.
