The project's objective is to achieve a greater integration of composite materials in the low-pressure compressor , major product of Techspace Aero. Research will be conducted through three axes covering the entire lifecycle of the product.

A first axis "Design & Integration" is oriented towards an extension of the composite technology for  large size engines. These activities will open the market of large (commercial) engines and therefore large compressors, where the impact of the contribution of composites is the most spectacular in terms of weight reduction.

The market covered by the project is currently experiencing a strong growth. On one hand, the economic environment is very favorable to the development of more automated means of production in the sector of aeronautical composites, specifically of manufacturing processes in out-of-autoclave closed molds. Both engines (CFM Leap, etc.) and aircraft structures (A350, B787 ) are covered by these innovative means of production.

The TECCOMA project focuses on :

• the development of useful tools for the large-scale substitution of metal parts with composite parts
• the design of integrated parts and the development of composite technologies and their related tools to shorten production cycles.

This will be achieved by improving the automation of implementation, optimization of tooling concepts and industrialization concepts for high speed pace.

The project will also address :

Within the FASOPT project, the Walloon SME’s involved in the project aim to develop a new generation of optical systems for earth observation embedded on micro-satellites. 

These optical systems are designed and optimized to be manufactured by 3D printing technology (metallic and ceramic materials). This allows the production of very innovative shapes of extremely light mirrors integrating several functions.

One of the major challenges for aeronautics is the reduction of engine specific fuel consumption by increasing the engine bypass ratio. This involves :

• to use complex transmissions requiring greater oil cooling
• to preheat the outside air with the energy recovered from the exhaust gases.

It is therefore necessary to optimize the performance and the control of heat exchangers

MOCKEL wishes to invest in its production equipment but also in its internal processes in order to improve its competitiveness. 

Following modernizations that occur in 2015, MOCKEL wishes to offer yet improved service to its customers through the acquisition of a 2nd turning and milling center (4-axis). 

Also, MOCKEL wants to improve work conditions by investing in 3 vacuum tables, in brand new LED lighting for offices and production halls and in Quality Management software. 

In order to meet its future customers requirements, V2i must invest in the extension of its services portfolio.  

In particular, the severity of the vibrational tests conducted will be increased.  To achieve this, V2i will acquire a new large electro-dynamic shaker, equipped with a unique dual test tables capability. This device will allow to reach very high level of acceleration on small components whilst keeping capabilities to test much  larger devices (above 1T).  

MOCKEL wishes to invest in its production equipment but also in its internal processes in order to improve its competitiveness. 

These modernizations will lead to a more productive and competitive company towards of its customers and this should allow a growth of the Aerospace turnover. 

These investments will also help maintaining jobs in the company and will ensure proper investments in training of a highly qualified workforce. 

In the frame of the LEAP program (with SAFRAN), CAPAUL has been selected by Techspace Aero to provide bearings supports.

Several investments will be needed in order to meet the customer’s requirements.  Those investments will ensure the company’s growth and competitiveness up to 2021.  

The long term objective is to keep 50% of the bearings supports for the LEAP program : this would result in a new house-specialty for CAPAUL in the bearing supports market.  

This investment project aims at the creation of a new production line for shafts for a major new customer of BODAIR.  

The products will then be assembled within upper lift systems and later integrated in the A300neo, A350 and B787 airplanes programs.