Solvay announces partnerships to boost development of composite aerostructures

Solvay and Spirit AeroSystems (Europe) Limited have strengthened their relationship as Solvay becomes a strategic partner of Spirit’s Aerospace Innovation Centre (AIC) in Prestwick, Scotland.

The AIC facilitates collaborative research into sustainable aircraft technologies and processes with Spirit’s industrial, academic and supply-chain partners. Both companies intend to further engage on composite development opportunities to meet the performance, cost and production-rate requirements of future aircraft.

“Solvay’s product development leadership and our best-in-class, UK-based Application Center will be key in contributing to the development of future-proofed, industrial-ready technologies in this exciting cooperation with Spirit,” commented Rob Blackburn, Head of Global Customer Engineering Aerospace and Defence at Solvay Materials Global Business Unit.

Solvay and Spirit AeroSystems cement their research and technology relationship on the development of composite aerostructures.

The collaborators aim to develop advanced manufacturing concepts and secure a step change in composite fabrication, automation and assembly technologies to de-risk and shorten the development cycle. They will also explore further strategic alignment on future innovation.

“Solvay’s expertise in product development, combined with our own capabilities in advanced manufacturing and aerospace design, will allow us to create new technologies and processes that will push the industry forward,” said Jahan Ali, Director of Research and Technology, Europe at Spirit AeroSystems.

Work on advanced solutions for sustainable aviation

Moreover, Solvay has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Ascendance Flight Technologies, a pioneering aviation startup located in Toulouse, France. This agreement will see Solvay, Ascendance Flight Technologies and Airborne collaborate on strategic innovation and the acceleration toward sustainable aviation solutions.

By leveraging the synergy of their combined expertise in advanced materials and aircraft engineering, the partnership will drive the development and implementation of game-changing technologies in the aviation industry.

Solvay, Ascendance Flight Technologies and Airborne join forces to enable the development of advanced solutions for sustainable aviation.

Ascendance Flight Technologies is known for its groundbreaking work in developing next-generation sustainable aviation platforms, such as the company’s ATEA hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and STERNA hybrid electric propulsion technology.

Airborne is a leader in the industrialization of composites and is unique in the way they combine digital automation systems as well as aerospace-qualified manufacturing services.

Solvay’s role under the collaboration agreement is targeted at delivering significant breakthrough solutions through close collaboration in these key areas:

• Advanced Composite Material, Structural Adhesives and Polymers to achieve superior performance, durability and lightweighting for enhanced safety, efficiency, and sustainability of future aircraft

• Sustainability Solutions integrating Solvay’s products into Ascendance Flight Technologies sustainable aviation platforms to help minimize their carbon footprint and environmental impact.