NWAA Summer '24 Plane Talk

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Korean Air finalises order for 33 A350s

Airframe Designs helps to lead additive manufacturing industry body

materials such as composites, titanium, and modern aluminium alloys to create a lighter and more cost-efficient aircraft. All of which results in an average reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of around 25% compared with similar sized previous generation aircraft. At the end of February, the A350 Family had won 1,240 orders from 59 customers worldwide.

Benoit de Saint Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus said: “This order from Korean Air is another major endorsement for the A350 as the world’s long-range leader. The airline will benefit from new levels of efficiency across its operations, with significantly reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. “The A350 will also be the perfect platform for the carrier to take its in-flight product and world class service to new heights. We thank Korean Air for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and its products and look forward to seeing the A350 flying in the carrier’s iconic livery.” The A350 Family is the world’s most modern widebody product line and is firmly established as the world’s long-range leader, with passenger versions able to fly up to 9,700 nm / 18,000 km non-stop. Powered by latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the airframe uses 70% advanced

Korean Air has become a new customer for the A350 Family following the signature of a firm order with Airbus for 33 aircraft. The order covers 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s. Offering the longest range of any aircraft, the A350 will be able to operate any of the airline’s current intercontinental routes with a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous generation aircraft. The additional range of the A350 will also enable the carrier to evaluate new long-haul destinations. “The A350’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it a great fit for our global network, We are confident that the introduction of the A350 to our fleet will drive operational efficiencies and elevate the overall travel experience for our passengers.”

With polymer additive manufacturing technology, combined with 3D scanning and 3D modelling, it is possible to deliver creative solutions to complex engineering problems in the aviation and defence part market, including solutions for airframe tooling. This technology can also be adapted for other industries including space, nuclear, motorsport and rail. Recent projects undertaken by Airframe Designs include the design and manufacture of several 3D printed tooling fixtures to aid the installation of external sensors onto the fuselage of a special mission military aircraft and the integration of new systems into heavy lift drone platforms. The company has also been responsible for the conceptual design at a platform level for new uncrewed air-systems, test rig and tooling for electric vehicle propulsion systems and most recently the design and analysis of operator consoles for a special mission aircraft.

delivered at pace, whilst also helping to reduce carbon emissions and achieve Net Zero goals by 2050.” As part of its commitment to the development of additive manufacturing, Airframe Designs has recently invested in a second 3D printing machine, a state-of-the-art Stratasys Fortus 450, a new five-axis milling machine and new sophisticated resin printing technology to offer increased capability and quality of parts and tools for its increasing customer base. The AMUK has become part of the wider Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) cluster to lead the industry as it becomes an increasingly important part of the manufacturing drive. The services offered by Airframe Designs meet the demand from the aviation and defence sectors to create new parts or re-engineer obsolete parts in an agile, cost-effective, and sustainable manner.

Aerospace specialist Airframe Designs has joined Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK), a national industry body, to help lead the development of additive manufacturing and 3D printing in the UK. The company has become a member of AMUK whose aim is to establish the UK as a world leader in the development and adoption of additive and 3D printing technology. Jerrod Hartley, CEO of Airframe Designs, said: “Joining the lead industry organisation will help raise awareness of the benefits of additive manufacturing technology and our own engineering excellence. “There is a revolution happening in UK manufacturing with the adoption of additive manufacturing and we want to help lead and build on these opportunities. “This technology enables us to produce lightweight, highly accurate, and robust airframe parts and tooling which are For more information contact Airframe Designs, tel 01253 400320 or visit the Airframe Designs website.

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Aerospace leader joins UCLan Former BAE Systems Director Andrew Schofield awarded Honorary Professorship is currently the Chair of the North West Aerospace Alliance, a member of a number of UK advisory groups and director of his consultancy business. Andrew said: “I am delighted to have been awarded this honorary position at UCLan. achievement of being awarded an Honorary Professorship at ULCan. This is a testament to Andy’s unparalleled dedication, expertise, and significant contributions to our industry.”

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The University has invested heavily in its engineering provision in recent years, most notably through its £35 million Engineering and Innovation Centre (EIC) that is home to state-of-the-art aerospace technology including cutting-edge software tools, flight simulators and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).

The work the University does is having a significant impact on the success and prominence in the North West across the aerospace and space sectors. I am looking forward to supporting the drive to ensure that the region remains at the forefront of innovation and continues to provide the talent pipeline required to succeed.” UCLan Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor St John Crean added: “Andy is an incredibly experienced leader in the aerospace industry, and we are delighted that he is willing to share the decades of experience with our students who will benefit immensely.” Paula Gill, CEO of NWAA, said “We are very proud of our Chairman, and I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt congratulations on this outstanding

An aerospace expert with more than 40 years’ industry experience has been awarded an Honorary Professorship at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). Andrew Schofield, who worked for BAE Systems for more than 40 years, has joined the School of Engineering and Computing, where he will be involved in student engagement and providing industrial support as the University develops its provision in air and space engineering. Andrew began his engineering career with BAE Systems in 1979 as a Technologist Apprentice, rising through the ranks to when he left the company in 2022 as Director of Programme Technology Integration. He

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