Constellium received a France 2030 award for its groundbreaking “Wing of the Future” project.
This initiative was supported by a grant from the France 2030 investment program and implemented with the French Civil Aviation Administration (DGAC)
Through the “Wing of the Future” project, engineering and manufacturing teams at Constellium’s R&D center, C-TEC, and its facility in Issoire, France, will be joining forces to asses aluminium's potential as a key material for future aviation.
The project involves developing advanced technologies and materials designed to enhance aircraft performance through lighter weight and improved recyclability. As aircraft production rates are expected to ramp up significantly, and with a growing emphasis on circularity and reduced environmental impact, wings must be manufactured and assembled more quickly and efficiently, while also ensuring high recyclability.
In particular, the “Wing of the Future” project aims to find solutions for the efficient recovery and recycling of pre-consumer scrap, such as promoting pre-machining, or using Friction Stir Welding (FSW) to reduce metal thickness and bonding to reduce structural weight.
“We are incredibly proud to receive the France 2030 award, which underscores Constellium’s critical role in developing sustainable solutions for aerospace,” said Philippe Hoffmann, President of Constellium’s Aerospace and Transportation business unit. “Our ‘Wing of the Future’ project is an ambitious initiative that not only seeks to reduce aircraft weight and improve fuel efficiency but also emphasises recyclability, paving the way for a greener aviation industry. Receiving this award validates the critical role of aluminium in supporting tomorrow's aircraft and reinforces our commitment to help the aerospace sector achieve its Fly Net Zero objectives.”