While the site developments are progressing according to schedule, with the Composites Unit on the Méaulte site and the 5th mechanical milling machine on the Saint-Nazaire site, the Aerolia teams are clearing major milestones on the A350 XWB programme.

The first pipes

The Systems Unit teams, based on the Aerolia site of Saint-Nazaire, have just finished production of the first pipe for the A350 XWB.

The pipe concerned, designed by the Aeolia design teams, is part of the galley cooling system, and will be installed on the A350 XWB test bench. This first part will be used for tests and validation of the performance of the aircraft 'cooling' system.

"Thanks to our integrated modelling approach," explained Florence Olivier, Head of the Systems Unit, "we have been able to manufacture this first part in exactly the same way as for the series production. In other words, the bending machine uses the Design Office data directly."

Eventually, some 120 different pipes will be designed and manufactured for this A350 XWB test bench; for the serial production, a contract for more than 1 100 references per aircraft, was signed last year with Airbus.

Aerolia is thus responsible for the design and manufacture of pipes and conduits for the hydraulic, commercial and cockpit systems equipping the totality of the Airbus A350 XWB fuselage.

The first carbon plies

The 1st composite ply has been produced by the Aerolia teams on the Upper shell panel of the A350 XWB while ATK, Aerolia partner in the USA, has layed up the first ply on the tools used to produce the Upper Shell stringers, which will be delivered to France at the end of April.

"This performance, achieved on time and in conformity with our quality commitments, is a credit to all our teams and those of our partners, whether they be in the Design Office, Manufacturing, Procurement and/or Programme," declared on this occasion Guillaume Vuillermoz, Head of A350 XWB Programme and Design Office for AEROLIA.