PRD 49 high modulus organic fibre as aluminium replacement Available to Purchase

THE LARGEST GROWTH opportunity for new composite materials is in replacement of aluminium components in fuselage, wing and control surfaces. Glass fibres appear to be too low in modulus and high in density to compete with aluminium but graphite, boron and PRD‐49, alone or in combination, all offer performance plusses and weight savings to the aircraft designer. While 90 per cent of the airframe weight produced in the USA today is aluminium, increasing use of composites is expected as design confidence in these new materials is established, and ever‐increasing performance requirements in military and commercial aircraft necessitate the unique properties of premium composites.