Solvay is cooperating with UAM Novotech and will provide the right to use its thermosetting, thermoplastic composite and adhesive materials series, as well as technical support for the development of the second prototype structure of the hybrid “Seagull” water landing aircraft . The aircraft is scheduled to fly later this year.
“Seagull” is the first two-seater aircraft to use carbon fiber composite components, these components are manufactured by automatic fiber placement (AFP), rather than manual processing. Relevant personnel said: “The introduction of this advanced automated production process marks the first step towards the development of scalable products for a viable UAM environment.”
Novotech chose Solvay’s two products to have an aerospace genealogy system with a large number of public data sets, process flexibility, and required product forms, which are necessary for rapid adoption and market launch.
CYCOM 5320-1 is a toughened epoxy resin prepreg system, specially designed for vacuum bag (VBO) or out-of-autoclave (OOA) manufacturing of main structural parts. MTM 45-1 is an epoxy resin matrix system with flexible curing temperature, high performance and toughness, optimized for low pressure, vacuum bag processing. MTM 45-1 can also be cured in an autoclave.
The composite-intensive “Seagull” is a hybrid aircraft with an automatic folding wing system. Thanks to the hull configuration of its trimaran, it realizes the function of landing and taking off from lakes and oceans, thereby reducing the cost of sea and air maneuvering systems.
Novotech is already working on its next project-an all-electric eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft. Solvay will be an important partner in choosing the right composite and adhesive materials. This new-generation aircraft will be able to carry four passengers, cruise speeds of 150 to 180 kilometers per hour, and range of 200 to 400 kilometers.
Urban air transportation is an emerging market that will completely change the transportation and aviation industries. These hybrid or all-electric innovative platforms will accelerate the transition to sustainable, on-demand passenger and cargo air transportation.
Post time: Jul-12-2021
