New research shows that composite planes have a big advantage over their aluminum counterparts. While manufacturing composite planes results in double the emissions, once the planes are put into flight, they actually reduce carbon emissions by up to 15 percent over the life of the aircraft.
Experts predict that these advantages could lead to huge growth in the aerospace composite industry over the next six years. But even with these light-weight planes, the aviation industry will need to take greater measures to meet their emissions targets.
News Drill Down
- A new study by the Universities of Sheffield, Cambridge and UCL was the first of its kind to perform “a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of a composite plane.” Because the lighter planes use less fuel, their carbon emissions are about 20 percent less than those of aluminum aircraft.
- NASA is currently testing a “huge, uniquely-shaped fuselage cross-section” made from composite materials as a part of its Environmentally Responsible Aviation project, according to redOrbit.com.
- The Wichita Eagle reports that an aviation analyst with RBC Capital Markets foresees the aerospace composite market reaching $20 billion by the early 2020s and “expects that the replacements for today’s narrowbody airliners will likely be made primarily from composites.”
- A University of Sheffield Professor of Advanced Materials Technologies explains that composites are only one step toward the aviation industry’s target of halving “CO2 emissions for all aircrafts by 2020.”
Reading List:
University of Cambridge: Lighter planes are the future
Red Orbit: NASA Super Guppy Plane Delivers Large Composite Structure For Testing
The Wichita Eagle: Analyst: Aerospace composite industry could double by the early 2020s
Search plastics materials in Prospector now…
The views, opinions and technical analyses presented here are those of the author or advertiser, and are not necessarily those of ULProspector.com or UL Solutions. The appearance of this content in the UL Prospector Knowledge Center does not constitute an endorsement by UL Solutions or its affiliates.
All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior authorization from UL Solutions or the content author.
The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. While the editors of this site may verify the accuracy of its content from time to time, we assume no responsibility for errors made by the author, editorial staff or any other contributor.
UL Solutions does not make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of the content. UL Solutions does not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of sites listed or linked to in any content.
Leave a Reply or Comment