Aerocomposit-Ulyanovsk (part of the United Aircraft Corporation) has launched the first serial production site for thermoplastic composite materials in Russia. In the future, it may be possible to build the first domestic new generation aircraft based on them, said Anatoly Gaidansky, General Director of the enterprise.
Until now, serial production of such materials existed only abroad. The materials are planned to be used in key structural elements — leading edges of the wing, ribs and fasteners.
The main advantage is a 15–20% reduction in aircraft weight, which reduces fuel consumption and flight costs.
Thermoplastic composites differ from traditional thermosetting ones in that they can withstand greater loads and can be completely recycled after use. Composite materials are already widely used, for example, in the MC-21 airliner.
Earlier www1.ru reported that the MC-21 crew decided not to risk landing in strong winds during testing.