AM enables industry-first for airbus

GKN Aerospace’s industry-leading powder bed AM technology has enabled Airbus to break new ground by flying an A320 with quieter, lighter weight and more cost effective air intake technology than ever before.

As part of the European ‘SANDIT’ initiative, GKN Aerospace engineers successfully designed and manufactured an innovative cabin air intake scoop for commercial aircraft electrical Environmental Control Systems (ECS).

GKN Aerospace’s proprietary AM process was employed to create an ice protected, heated, acoustic honeycomb structural liner (see below). The technology helped to meet the latest aircraft noise regulations whilst remaining ice free in service to ensure continuous cabin airflow.

When flight-tested in June 2016, it became the first ECS intake to use additively manufactured noise reduction technology to fully integrate electrical ice protection systems.