UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES FOR CIVIL AIRCRAFT

Metal matrix composites offer considerable potential for widespread application in most aerospace fields. The potential for the use of these materials in civil aircraft is largely dependent on costs and currently these are too high. However, by the use of appropriate design and manufacturing technology this intrinsic high cost can be overcome to unlock their potential. Development activities at the Airbus Division of British Aerospace aimed at unlocking this potential will be reviewed.