Industry collaboration has never been stronger. With a common goal of reduced cost, weight, and rapid development of new aircraft in the U. S., the Spokane / Coeur d’ Alene region, along with massive partnerships, has developed and been selected to receive money for an American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center( AAMMC) – otherwise known as the Tech Hub grant.
The aerospace industry is forecasting mass production of single-and-twin-aisle aircraft in the short term. Boeing forecasts 40,000 single-aisle and widebody airplanes over the next 20 years, which means a production rate of 70-100 new aircraft per month. The consortium said there is an opportunity for American suppliers, specifically aerospace suppliers, to catch up to global competition. It also encourages technology and tooling using environmentally friendly materials.
The solution is thermoplastic composites. These composites are different from thermoset composites in that they can be used and re-used in different forms. They are also lightweight and strong and can be used in large-format aircraft production.
The Center where the AAMMC Tech Hub will reside is being retrofitted from an earlier business with Triumph Composites at that location. The Center’ s goal is to bring together all key partners in the grant to develop and purchase new equipment and to work together to create the initial prototypes and products that will become large-format commercial aircraft parts.
22 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS