Loading ...One aerospace reporter questions the performance of composite materials in the new 787 when it comes to crash landing safety. Despite that skepticism, other aerospace news focused on composites growth. The ReportLinker website published a study showing growth opportunities in carbon fiber composites between 2009 and 2014. Baylor University and Texas State Technical College received a $2.3 million grant from the federal government for aerospace engineering research, including advanced composite research. Spirit AeroSystems opened its new 500,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Kinston, N.C.
The automotive industry is flying high as well. Terrafugia was granted a weight exemption by the FAA for its roadable aircraft. Its takeoff weight is 1,430 pounds, or 110 pounds above the typical limit for light sport aircraft. BMW not only released carbon fiber components for its M3 line, but also unveiled a model of its new carbon fiber electric car to journalists in Germany. The electric car wars could prove to be interesting, as composite models will compete with aluminum models like Tesla, which went public this week. Meanwhile, Plasan Carbon Composites could play a strong role in its region’s economic growth.
Turning to recreation, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Felt Bicycles announced a voluntary recall on some of Felt’s bikes. The company has reported several cases of its carbon steer tube breaking. In more positive news, wood composites are being touted as a safer construction option for sandboxes. Ducati is implementing more carbon fiber in its Ducati’s Desmosedici RR motorcycle – including in the wheels, discs and frame. Prodrive, a motorsport company, seeks to implement racecar composites technology into offshore applications such as crude-oil filters.
Staying offshore with renewable energy, the Department of Energy confirmed it is committing $20 million to further the development of deepwater offshore wind energy development. Michigan-based Energetx Composites was awarded $3.5 million to manufacture large scale composite turbines as part of the state’s overall Clean Energy Advanced Manufacturing program grants. The University of Houston was awarded a $2.3 million research grant to build a testing facility for offshore wind turbine materials and components. General Electric has plans to install four 4-megawatt wind turbines off the coast of Norway and Sweden as part of its $450 million investment in Europe. A U.S.-based company, marine Innovation & Technology, proposed an offshore wind turbine platform design based on existing gas and oil platforms.
In other marine developments, Pursuit Boats introduced a new 26-foot dual console boat called the DC 260. Boston Whaler prepares to launch the latest 345 Conquest Open, an offshore fishing and cabin cruiser with an open cockpit design, as part of the 2011 lineup. And New Jersey-based Viking sport Cruisers announced it will adopt the Princess brand name, after 15 years of collaboration.
Finally, infrastructure is expected to play a large role in Asia doubling its composite production by 2015. Elsewhere in the sector, LCOA Composites and Hertel have partnered to develop a new rapid deployable shelter system. Marshall Composites will open a plant in Salem, Oregon to manufacture composite re-bars for bridges. Housing opportunities may take a hit, however, as a record low number of people signed contracts to buy homes in May.
