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F-35-Lightning II: Composites on Trial Part III

The F-35 Lightning II will be a test bed for the significant use of composite parts in next generation jet fighters, particularly with fuselage components. Understandably, security concerns will prevent detailed disclosure of F-35 design and assembly, but what we do know about composites and the Joint Strike Fighter program is still well worth considering. Find out more in the final instalment of our three-part series.

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The Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Composites on Trial Part II

Boeing's 787 Dreamliner is 80% composite materials by volume and 50% by weight. Rising fuel costs mandate widespread use of composites, but questions about long term structural stability have yet to be resolved. In the second of a three-part series, we assess the Dreamliner in minute detail, while also bringing you news of a dramatic blog post on composite fuselage cracks written by an industry insider.

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Airbus A350: Composites on Trial Part I

The Airbus A350 represents a breakthrough in aircraft design because more than 50% of the aircraft's weight is composite parts. However, recent Airbus crashes that have shocked the world again raise questions about the long term durability of carbon-resin components. In the first of a three part series, we look at composites as they appear in the A350 and start to weigh up their benefits – and potential costs.

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