SABCA delivered the first Flap Support for the new A350 XWB to its client Airbus on May 27.

The elements delivered are part of a complex set of major structures that link the landing flaps to the wing trailing edge structure and allow the deployment of the flaps during the take-off and landing phases. First to be handed over to Airbus are the so called Rib 2 Supports for the A350-900. These are major structures that incorporate the support for the inner flap and a portion of the wing spar at the same wing station.

SABCA was awarded a major risk sharing contract in early 2009 for the development and production of the Flap Support Structures and the composite Flap Support Fairings that will cover the structures to provide a smooth aerodynamic flow. The Fairings will be manufactured by SABCA's subsidiary SABCA Limburg. The complete package contains as many as 28 constituent assemblies to be delivered to Filton and Broughton in the UK and to Bremen in Germany in order to be integrated in the wings. All elements for the first aircraft will be delivered before the end of 2011.

This week's delivery represents a major step in the programme and confirms the capabilities of SABCA to design, develop, manufacture critical elements, as well as to manage very complex technical interfaces, supply chain and logistics conditions.