- 02 June 2008 -
Hexcel's composites in A350 XWB

HEXCEL CORPORATION will supply carbon fibre composite materials for major primary structures of the Airbus A350 XWB long-range wide-body aircraft under an agreement worth US$4-5 billion through 2025.

Hexcel will principally supply a HexPly® toughened epoxy prepreg made with its HexTow® intermediate modulus carbon fibre. The size of the order means the company is expecting to make “significant capital expenditures” for capacity expansions when the A350 reaches its anticipated build rate. The timing and size of the expansion will depend on forecasts by Airbus and its suppliers.

The A350 XWB design will be finalised over the coming months, and Hexcel and Airbus have agreed to complete the final specification and qualifications of Hexcel’s materials for the selected primary structures.

Hexcel will also be offering other composite products for secondary structures and interiors such as fabrics, resins, prepregs, adhesives, honeycombs and HexMC® moulded parts for the A350.

Hexcel; www.hexcel.com

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