Aerospace

The aerospace market is arguably one of the largest and most important to the composites industry. Both inside and out, commercial aircraft, military craft, helicopters, business jets, general aviation aircraft, and space craft all make substantial use of composites.

Many commercial airplane manufactures have been using composite materials for decades. Prior to the mid 1980’s, airplane manufactures use composite materials in both primary structures as well as secondary structures. Composites are also finding their place in nonstructural application such as the interiors of aircraft. With composite materials being typically lighter and stronger, manufactures have recently expanded their use with the material by manufacturing composite fuselages and entire wing assemblies.

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner commercial aircraft is made up of 50% composite materials. Airbus’ A350 XWB commercial aircraft is made up of 53% composite materials. Some of the composite parts on these structures include the fuselage, wings, interior panels, and ducting system.