Bombardier composite wing wins RAEng award

The innovative wing, designed and built by engineers at Bombardier, is the first certified commercial aircraft wing made using resin transfer infusion (RTI) and has been hailed for its ability to reduce the environmental impact of aviation.

The RTI process sees a complex structure created by placing dry fabric into moulds before impregnating it with liquid resin, which then sets into shape under heat and pressure. While other processes involve pre-impregnated carbon fibre requiring intensive refrigeration before manufacture, the RTI process uses less energy, fewer parts and results in a lighter wing. Compared to a conventional metal wing, it is approximately 10 per cent lighter helping to reduce fuel burn in flight, with an accompanying reduction of CO2 and NOx emissions.

Following the shock announcement earlier this year (May, 2019) that Bombardier plans to sell its Belfast facility, the award provides some welcome recognition of the expertise at the site.