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On Aug. 30 Spirit AeroSystems (Europe) Ltd. (Prestwick, Scotland), a subsidiary of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. (Wichita, Kan., U.S.) has successfully delivered the first set of new advanced composite spoilers to Airbus (Toulouse, France) for the A320 Family. The spoilers are produced using Spirit’s pioneering resin transfer molding (RTM) technology (see CW’s tour of this facility, “High-rate, automated aerospace RTM line delivers next-gen spoilers”) and are the first to feature on a flying aircraft.

The redesigned spoiler is produced using a highly automated advanced manufacturing, out-of-autoclave (OOA) process, resulting in what Spirit says are significantly improved manufacturing efficiencies, and reduced energy and costs compared to the original, more traditional design. Spirit is the first to industrialize this composite technology in the U.K. aerospace sector.

“This exciting milestone is another example of Spirit’s leadership in the development of innovative wing technologies and manufacturing processes to meet our customers’ needs,” says SVP Airbus Programs, Scott McLarty. “We remain committed to investing in the new technologies and processes required to deliver a more sustainable aerospace industry and help meet the U.K.’s net-zero goals.”

The spoilers are produced in Spirit’s world-class manufacturing facility in Prestwick, Scotland, using the latest automation and robotics, which included investment from the Scottish Government in the development of the technology. Spirit believes such cost-effective technologies and manufacturing processes will play a central role in the development of the next generation of aircraft programs, and help the company increase its competitive advantage in advanced manufacturing.