Lithium battery fires, while rare, do occur on aircraft. The FAA recorded 138 incidents between March 20, 1991 and October 9, 2012 at this link. Most of these are related to laptop computers and batteries in cargo compartments. The length…
Alcoa announced today that it is expanding its aluminum lithium (Al-Li) capacity and capabilities at three locations to meet growing aerospace demand for its newest alloys. These alloys, introduced last year and now patented, allow OEMs to build dramatically lighter…
Another use for composite materials has been discovered that I’d like for my personal automobile — the NeverFlat tire. LoPresti Aviation Engineering is introducing a new tire technology for general aviation aircraft – with a 10 year guarantee against flats.…
Resin transfer injection (RTI) is about to join resin transfer molding and composite layup as a construction technique used for high volume production of aerospace components. Bombardier’s Belfast operations in Northern Ireland (formerly Shorts) have patented this new technique that…
The re-engining announcement for the 737 by Boeing has given us pause to consider the impacts of both airframes and engines and their impact on commercial aircraft. Clearly, engines are the driving force for technology in the industry, as fuel…
Shorts of Belfast is a company with an impressive history. Bombardier acquired this company in 1989, adding to its growing base of aerospace expertise. The Belfast operation is impressive. It has 5,000 employees and more than a century of aviation…