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Clean Sky 2’s MFFD program continues to move toward its goal of delivering a welded, thermoplastic composite fuselage demonstrator using next-generation manufacturing processes.

New developments in automated or semi-automated manufacturing solutions through MFFD, CoMMaNds 2, FastFlexMont 2, Tempo and UniFix projects to achieve sustainable, efficient composite part production.

Composites-focused technocenter builds alliances for R&D in digital and sustainable technologies, additive manufacturing, TPCs, hydrogen and new technocenter development.

Proving industrial reliability for low-cost thermoplastic composites production using AFP in-situ consolidation, as well as continuous ultrasonic and resistance welding.

Clean Sky 2 thermoplastic composite demonstrator advances toward full assembly.

Collins Aerospace in Almere has produced a 7-meter raceway for the Clean Sky 2 MFFD lower fuselage using novel CCM and tooling technology while the Riverside facility in the U.S. advances AFP and welding as part of global strategy for more sustainable airframes.

Composites bonding and welding are two similar but distinct processes that overcome challenges related to fasteners or drilling. Here are some resources to get you started.

Arnt Offringa, director of the Global Technology Center Netherlands at GKN Aerospace, explains to CW the processes and materials used in a frame assembly for Clean Sky 2’s Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD). 

The HERWINGT project in Clean Aviation seeks to ready technologies — including at least 16 composite demonstrators — for a hybrid-electric regional aircraft with 50% less fuel burn to be launched by 2035.

Despite persistent supply chain issues, markets were set for healthy growth before Trump policies and tariffs, yet long-term trends favor composites in new platforms. Meanwhile, advanced air mobility shakes out and moves forward.