Keywords
Citation
(2005), "Alternative materials", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 77 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2005.12777fad.008
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Alternative materials
Alternative materials
Keywords: Aircraft, Titanium, Composite materials
SKF has become a main partner on the A380 Airbus project, meeting the most stringent requirements for the new super carrier. SKF is providing structural improvements for weight savings, increased capacity and improved cost efficiency.
The use of alternative materials to aluminium and steel, such as composites and titanium, drove the development of lightweight bearings for the landing gears, composite solutions for the wing box, and complete reinforcement of the belly fairing structure. This included titanium materials and system units based on rods and bearings – such as the horizontal tail plane mechanism or attachment bearings and reverse links. SKF also supplied the fly-by-wire equipment and high loaded pinion bearings for the wings.
SKF Aerospace has also been qualified as a source for mainshaft and gearbox bearings for the two A380 powerplant alternatives: the Rolls Royce Trent 900 and the Engine Alliance (General Electric – Pratt & Whitney) GP 7200. Based on innovative integral mainshaft bearings, the design enables the engine manufacturer to reduce weight, cost and number of engine parts.
For further information contact: SKF UK Ltd; Tel.: +44 (0)1582 490049; E-mail phil.burge@skf.com