Aerospace proves its metal

Aluminum lithium, magnesium alloys, titanium metal matrix composites, and advanced coatings are all part of the future of flying.

When consideration is given to new-generation metals, a question that is often asked is: “Yes, but what about composites?” Henrik Rösner at Airbus' Engineering Center of Competence Structures has an immediate reply.

“It is very important not just to focus on composites for aircraft,” he stressed. “The potential for further development of metals is very great. At Airbus, we do not only consider one or the other, we consider what is best for the airframe, what provides the highest performance with the best benefits. Saving weight is a key part of that-but making an airframe light does not mean the use of a lot of composites.”