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Aerospace
Airbus A380 |
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Perspex aircraft canopies in the 1940's to the new A380 Airbus plastics have all made major contributions to aircraft technology. The increased use of plastics in aircraft enables weight savings, allowing less fuel to be burnt, a reduction in emissions which in turn cuts operating costs. - Strong and lightweight plastics made the launch of the world's largest commercial airliner possible early in 2005. Some 22% of the Airbus 380 fleet is built with carbon-fibre reinforced plastics. The aircraft has a composite centre wing box, a crucial structure which connects the wings to the fuselage. The carbon fibre reinforced plastics are also used for the horizontal stabilisers, the fin, the rear fuselage section and for ceiling beams. Impact resistant thermoplastics are used on the wings leading edge. ...fuel-burn: Thanks largely to use of plastics, the A380 burns fuel per passenger at a rate comparable to that of an economical family car. |
Boeing 787 |
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| - 'Boeing's Plastic Dream' was what Business Week magazine called Boeing's new 787 jet, built mostly with plastic composites. Jets made of plastic composites require far fewer parts because there is less to bolt together. Since plastic weighs less than aluminum, the planes burn less fuel. Fuel savings are anticipated at around 20% The 787's three plastic composite fuselage sections give superior strength and allow the passenger cabin to withstand higher pressurisation. Maintenance costs will be 30% lower than for aluminum aircraft and . Plastic composites will make up 100% of the 787's skin and 50% of all materials in the plane. New Advancements in Aerospace Technology
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Flying High with Plastics!
