The new 9000 m2 composites facility will support GE Aviation's manufacture of wing components for the A350 XWB.
This will enable GE Aviation Hamble, to ramp-up the output of wing fixed trailing edge components for the A350-800, A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft, reaching the capacity to deliver up to 13 shipsets per month. (see GE Aviation uses Umeco prepregs for Airbus A350 XWB wing.)
The A350 XWB package is the largest production contract awarded in GE Aviation Hamble's 75-year history, comprising more than 3000 components that include structural composite panels and complex machined assemblies.
The Hamble composites facility is based on a sustainable building concept that will include a 2000 m2 clean room, two autoclaves and four large curing ovens for out-of-autoclave composites production, 5-axis machine tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) facilities and offices for administrative and engineering personnel.
The development involves the conversion of two existing buildings at the historic Hamble-le-Rice aviation production site in Southampton, Hampshire, to create the new facility, which is expected to become operational in early 2015.
- In May this year, GE Aviation has opened its second composites factory in Mississippi, USA. The Ellisville Composites facility will manufacture and assemble composite components for the aircraft industry.
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