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Show review: Aircraft Interiors Expo 2010

 

Aircraft Interiors Expo 2010 attracted 7,316 visitors (pre-ABC audit figure) over its three-day run (18-20 May). The number of airline visitors increased on the previous year, with 852 representatives from 200 airlines visiting the show. As well as a bustling exhibition, the event played host to both this year’s Crystal Cabin Awards (click here for a review) and the World Airline Awards, which saw Asiana win the airline of the year award (click here for the full results).

Below is our round-up of new products, concepts and companies debuting at this year’s show. Other announcements made at the expo – including a launch customer for Lumexis’ FTTS IFE, OnAir’s expansion into Russia, and the delivery of Lufthansa’s first A380 (complete with eX2 IFE from Panasonic, and cabin humidification courtesy of CTT Systems) – are covered in detail in our news section.

Seating

B/E Aerospace showcased its newest economy-class seating platform, Pinnacle, which the company says offers a 15% weight saving over the lightest seat on the market today, achieved through an increased use of composites, an integrated lightweight comfort suspension system and a new design methodology that reduces parts by more than 25%.

 

 

Brice Seating presented its new B3050 premium-economy seat. The latest development in its Featherweight series, the seat is designed to provide a business-class level of comfort while also delivering weight savings through the use of innovative materials and fewer parts. Standard features include handicap end-bay design, ergonomic rocker type recline and legrest control buttons, sliding cocktail trays in the centre console, slim backs, fixed end-bay and centre console armcaps, anodised high-strength luggage bars, up to 15in mechanically operated recline, up to 75° legrest deployment, four-way adjustable slim headrest, articulating seat bottom pan and legrest assembly, flexible back and bottom diaphragms, ergonomic ‘passive’ lumbar design, durable metal escutcheons, and front anti-rattle, quick install fittings. Other available options include coat hooks, custom sewing patterns (fabric, leather), tamper-proof life vest compartment, flotation cushion, centre console with video deployment mechanism, centre console with side-mounted cradle-style PCU/handset, alternate bottom cushions, emergency path light installation, IFE with top-mounted DPCU, front-mounted PC power outlets, quick-install rear track fittings, and reading light.

 

Cobra AS made its entrance into the aircraft seating market with a new economy-class seat that weighs 5.2kg fully dressed. The Cobra AS Close Couple seat is designed for the short- and medium-haul markets. The company says it can be fitted at 28in pitch while still maintaining a ‘good ergonomic profile’ with 3in more legroom than a ‘standard’ economy-class seat. Cobra AS has many years experience within the automotive industry, and has applied automotive manufacturing techniques, along with lightweight materials, in developing the fixed-back seat with AeroCare. Cobra AS also made waves with a polymer seat leg and seat buckle. The company is now working with a communications company on integrating a new IFE package into its low-mass seat range.

 

Contour Premium Aircraft Seating displayed Air New Zealand (ANZ)’s new premium-economy Spaceseats, which it will manufacture. Positioned in a herringbone configuration, the design offers two options: an angled double seat that is suitable for couples travelling together, or a more private option for single travellers. Initially to be installed on ANZ’s B777-300ERs, the design allows couples travelling together to dine at the same table, while also providing extra lounging space when they want to relax.

 

EADS Sogerma and Lufthansa Technik presented their Ultimate Sleeper concept, a combined premium-class seat/bed. EADS Sogerma will offer the ‘aerosleeper’ (Lufthansa Technik’s premium-class concept incorporating a bed that folds out over the seat) as an integrated variant of EADS Sogerma’s Ultimate 17 super first-class seat.

 

Oma Sud presented a new division, Oma Sud Interiors, dedicated to seats and interiors solutions. The company exhibited new 26g certified seats at the stand. Oma Sud Interiors will be based in Capua, Italy, with an additional production plant in Teramo. It will provide a full service from concept design to product delivery and after sales.

 

Optimares, a first-time exhibitor, made an impression at its stand with a giant airline seat and passenger. The company recently entered the aircraft seating market with five new seats, one each for single-aisle economy class, twin-aisle economy class and premium-economy class; a ‘mini’ business-class seat for single-aisle aircraft (pictured); and a business/first-class seat for twin-aisle aircraft.

 

 

 

 

Recaro Aircraft Seating exhibited the Skycouch, designed by Air New Zealand (ANZ). This new concept converts three adjacent seats in economy class into a lie-flat space, by extending the seat space with an ergonomic legrest that can be folded up to 60 or 90°. Based on the Recaro CL3510 economy-class seat, the Skycouch also features a newly designed backrest in lightweight, high-tech materials with matching armrests that can be easily folded away when the seats are configured for sleeping. Other features include an extended headrest, swivel-mounted video display and IFE system with PC power, USB and iPod connections. In developing the new seat, ANZ worked closely with a team from Recaro Aircraft Seating Americas, in Ft Worth, Texas, where the seat is being managed, engineered, certified and manufactured. “The cooperation was excellent. The airline has already expressed interest in working with us on the next project – providing the same Recaro specialists are available,” said Axel Kahsnitz, CEO of Recaro. ANZ will start refitting each of its long-range B777-300 aircraft with 20 rows of Skycouch seats in December 2010.

Recaro also provided updates on other seat models – including the premium-economy PL3510 seat, which it showcased in two versions: an original in-house model and a customer-specific design created for Qantas Airways. Designed for a generous seat pitch from 36-40in, and with a 19.5in width and 9in recline, the seat also features a legrest, cocktail tray integrated into the armrest, an audio system with computer connection, and a video monitor integrated into the backrest or armrest. Depending on the equipment level, PL3510 amenities include a separate reading light. Recaro is planning to offer the PL3510 with lift-up armrest sections on the aisle side to make it more easily accessible for people with disabilities. Qantas Airways uses the seat in its A380, B737, B747 and A330 aircraft. Other PL3510 customers include British Airways, Alitalia and Air Austral.

The company also showcased the economy-class CL3620 (for long-range flights of up to 20 hours) and SL3510 (for short-haul flights up to four hours) seats, which both won Crystal Cabin Awards in 2009. Just one year later airline orders include Qatar Airways, which ordered the CL3620 model for its fleet of A330s; V-Australia, which ordered the CL3620 for its B777 fleet; and Qantas Airways, which will install Recaro seats on its A380 and B747 aircraft. The Recaro SL3510 was launched with Air France. Since January 2010, the airline has been gradually refitting its domestic fleet of A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft with economy-class seats made by Recaro.

 

ZIM Flugsitz displayed seats including its new premium-economy model (pictured), integrated with Lantal’s Pneumatic Comfort System instead of a foam cushion. The seat is designed to be extremely lightweight, comfortable and to yield large living space even at short pitches. It is adaptable to regional, single- and twin-aisle aircraft, with additional features including footrest and IFE integration.

ZIM Flugsitz is also developing a business-class seat, which will be available in a standard configuration that can be customised according to customer specifications. Features will include a fixed backshell, articulating seat bottom, integration of all common IFE systems, in-arm table in outboard and aisle-side armrest, legrest, footrest, and a six-way moveable headrest.

The new company’s first order (for its ECO-01 economy-class seat) was placed by Mahan Air in June 2009. The first ship set was delivered on time in December 2009. Other ship sets for A300, A310 and B747 aircraft will be produced continuously at ZIM Flugsitz’s new assembly shop and shipped monthly. By October 2010 a total of around 3,500 ECO-01 seats will have been delivered.

Cabin concepts

MmillenniumM Group, through its Cloud Nine Aeropace division, showcased a prototype of its Air Sleeper concept. The concept uses the vertical space in an aircraft to increase sleeping space and/or passenger density in long-haul cabins. Using conventional aircraft mounting technologies, the AirSleeper is designed for retrofit in many popular aircraft while maintaining and even enhancing safety standards.

 

RÜCKER Aerospace presented the latest developments of its CareClass research project (into technology, materials and textures), in a single-aisle aircraft suite mock-up. A key part of this research is CareClose, a sliding screen that acts as the suite door and facilitates a range of configurations, from a fully open cabin suite providing a 1.3m² opening to a fully closed cabin suite for full privacy. The screen slides horizontally to open or close the suite, and vertically to adjust the level of privacy selected by the passenger. The mock-up also featured a re-designed CareRefresh unit with an integrated washbasin. This independent module has two 5-litre tanks (one for clean water, one for waste water) and a little water pump. Both water tanks can be released and refilled. Another module, interchangeable with any other unit specially designed for that area, is the new CareCabinet, a space for the passenger to stow luggage and/or hang a coat. Other changes included a minibar beneath the plasma screen, and touchscreen IFE controls integrated beside the seat. The seat itself is integrated with all service items (working table, control systems for illumination, audio, video, seat movement, armrests, etc) and folds down to a fully flat surface. This year, Care Class also sported a new colour and trim concept with a wide range of certified materials. The company aimed for a more neutral appearance – piano black and cream. The concept is based on the long-range and single-aisle medium-size aircraft (for example the A319). The company has even worked out cabin configurations, including having individual compartments on both sides of a central lounge area. The project is now in its styling and pre-engineering phase.

IFEC

Astronics Corporation launched P/N 1314-3, a new AC to DC power supply that converts 115VAC, 360-800Hz aircraft power to 150W of +28VDC. The power is provided by four individual +28VDC outputs, current limited at 1.5A each. The outputs may be paralleled to create a single 150W output and multiple units may be used in parallel to create 300W or 450W with current sharing. The company also introduced the latest generation of its Empower in-seat power supply system (ISPS). The new unit produces 200VA for each personal electronic device (PED) and includes three USB power outputs for passenger devices such as smart phones, iPods, cameras, and other standard +5V devices. This is all accomplished in a unit smaller than previous generations of the Empower product line.

 

Emteq showcased its expanded cabin power product line. The new technologies include plug presence detection (PPD), a safety feature designed to provide power to an outlet only when a plug is properly inserted in the receptacle, preventing electrical shock when the outlet is not in use or being used improperly. The PPD design also provides fluid ingress protection as an added benefit. Emteq also showcased its compact inverters, which convert 28VDC aircraft power to 115VAC 60Hz output, and which it says weight less than 1 lb. Emteq’s cabin power system is a one-to-one system with one inverter per outlet. The inverter has built in ground fault interrupter (GFI) protection and PPD control that receives and reacts to the signal sent by the PPD system in the outlet triggering the flow of electrical current. The inverter also has over-current, over-temperature, and over-voltage protections with an automatic safety shutoff. Overload protection shuts off power to an outlet when power goes over 200W. An LED indicator, driven by the inverter located on the outside of the outlet, signals when the inverter has activated the safety shutoff. Emteq’s cabin power product family includes universal, European and US outlets, as well as outlets for Ethernet and phone/fax jacks and inverters.

 

LiveTV displayed a prototype of an antenna it is developing with Iridium Communications, based on the Iridium OpenPort high-speed communications service (which launched in the maritime market in 2008) to enable cockpit-to-cabin connectivity services. “The success of the Iridium OpenPort platform for maritime led us to move forward with the development of the aviation version with the same attributes, network quality and coverage,” said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, global distribution channels, Iridium. “Our global network provides worldwide coverage, including the North and South Poles, which is critical to aircraft operators and is paramount to why we have partnered with LiveTV to develop this groundbreaking service. Commercial and general aviation passengers can now be within reach, even when flying oceanic or polar routes.” The antenna and electronics on display provides up to 128Kbps and three voice channels in an always-on IP configuration. “We expect to engage in STC air trials by the fourth quarter 2010, with full commercial rollout early in 2011,” said Mike Moeller, vice president of sales and marketing at LiveTV.

 

Rockwell Collins announced enhancements to its dPAVES single-aisle IFE system. Enhancements include a high-definition media server (HDMS), an updated touchscreen flight attendant entertainment control panel and USB ports for easier data on and offloading. The HDMS offers 160Gb of solid-state digital audio and video storage capability. dPAVES also features integrated pre-recorded announcements (PRAM) and music functionality with embedded Airshow Moving Map – all in a single four Modular Concept Unit (MCU) box. Additionally, with dPAVES, non-encrypted content can be handled by airlines independent of Rockwell Collins’ content management system, giving airlines the flexibility to respond to commercial opportunities as they arise by replacing local content at a moment’s notice, anywhere in the world.

Rockwell Collins also announced that it is in final development of a number of enhancements for its Airshow 4200/D moving map system. Highlights of the Version 2 software update will include dramatic 3D map enhancements and a new graphic design. The update is planned to be available at the end of the calendar year. The new 3D maps utilize NASA’s Blue Marble map data with proprietary image enhancements and corrections to deliver 3D graphical realism. Additional new features and performance enhancements include a new global map package that provides major improvements in detail and coverage worldwide, new time and flight status displays, realistic day and night views on all 3D maps, and a new head-up display designed to offer a pilot’s-eye view of the flight.

 

Thales introduced its next-generation Topseries IFE platform. The digital head-end requires less space with fewer servers, each storing over 1Tb of data. At the seat, passenger screens sizes will range up to 32in with high-definition capability and fast processing power. The company also featured a new 12.1in display integrated into a highly stylised economy-class seat. The design offers features such as a tilt mechanism, and an intelligent touchscreen passenger control unit, which enables passengers to link to personalised onboard services.

Galleys and galley equipment

Airbus demonstrated a functional prototype of its new galley concept – SPace Innovative Catering Equipment (SPICE) – which has now been tested by a number of airlines. Instead of putting Atlas trays in heavy trolleys, they are packed into lightweight boxes. Foldable carts transport the boxes during service, which Airbus says can bring large weight and space savings onboard – from 500kg to over one tonne on wide-body aircraft and from 2-3 to more than 10 additional seats. At the same time, SPICE is designed for major advances in galley ergonomics for improved crew well-being as well as aesthetics, with a powered transfer table to help move heavy loads, and closed refrigeration compartments. Prototype SPICE galleys have now been tested both with airline cabin crew and with caterers, and Airbus says these tests have shown SPICE is a viable concept, poised to become the first new galley standard in over 40 years.
Picture: Formation Design

 

Air Eltec displayed a new electrically operated automated beverage trolley, skytender. The trolley can dispense over 30 different drinks (including juices, soft drinks, cocktails and hot beverages) from standard-size cartridges at the touch of a button, eliminating the need for canned beverages and multiple containers. It also features a built-in ice compartment, countertop space, and extra room for a rubbish bin. Each trolley can dispense 150 servings and fits into standard galley storage space. The product is available in a rainbow of colours to reflect the airline’s image.

 

B&W Engineering showed its new A-LogEqu Business Line, which it said attracted interest from many airlines. The A-LogEqu system of thermally insulated containers offers hot as well as cold storage in one product – independent of the galley and without any power consumption. It enables flexible onboard service with various new options, as hot stays hot and cold stays cold for longer. The new Business Line is targeted at business jet or first-class cabins, and features the same high-performance containers, but covered in premium leather supplied by rohi and applied by Paustian Airtex. The leather is available in various colours and is complemented with fittings made of satin stainless steel. The company envisages it being used to store caviar or fresh seafood, hot meals or chilled champagne under ideal temperature conditions. Available in two different heights and as a front- or top-loader version, the A-LogEqu Business Line is also offered with other decorative as well as functional new surfaces.

 

Blue Magic, a first-time exhibitor, showcased a range of airline catering equipment. Founded in 2003 and headquartered near Rome, Italy, the company designs drawers, trays and tableware in a wide range of sizes, weights, colours and materials. Each item can be customised with embossed logos, pad printing or screen printing.

 

Driessen-Zodiac Aerospace showed its new B737 MaxFlex2 galley. MaxFlex2 was jointly developed with Boeing for the new B737 Sky Interior, which is due to be launched in July 2010. Configurations can be customised with multiple completion kits or modules that are pre-certified. These can be changed to a new arrangement at any time during the lifecycle of the aircraft.

 

Iacobucci HF Electronics introduced a new version of its Iacobucci HF Americana coffeemaker, made in compliance with the Arinc standard. The company used a new techno-plastic material for the body construction instead of aluminium, which it says greatly reduces its weight. The company also showed a rail for the installation of all Arinc-standard Iacobucci HF machines, and its WastePak trash compactor. Moreover, as the company is now official worldwide sales representative of MGS Galley systems, it demonstrated the new Induction Heating Unit and the cooking station, designed to deliver real restaurant-quality food on board.

 

Ipeco showed Infinity, a new Arinc-standard coffeemaker that weighs 6kg. The company says the product was created using fewer and smaller components and the application of composite materials, which has reduced the weight by 40% compared to commonly used brewers. The coffeemaker can brew 1.5 litres in less than three minutes, consuming 2.7KVA. No initial heat-up or recovery time is needed between brews. Ipeco says coffee quality is ensured by a high water temperature, and well-controlled water flow through the ground coffee. To make the brew, the crew insert the coffee pouch, lower the safety catch and touch the brew button. Infinity includes an LCD panel that provides information on the brewing process and when corrective action is required. Hot water can be dispensed into the server in any amount up to 1.5 litres. An LCD indicator on the facia panel advises the crew of the volume dispensed. The server is locked into position and does not need to be held while being filled. Infinity is also designed for less maintenance, and is equipped with a flow-through heater, which the company says is far less vulnerable to limescale than the traditional tank brewer. Components that typically suffer from limescale build-up have been removed from the design. For reliability, vulnerable level sensing has been replaced by a simple detection device that prohibits a new brew when a residue is left in the server. Diagnostic information feedback is provided on the LCD screen. Infinity is mounted on a galley pre-installed slide rail. The unit is locked into place on the slide rail and allows the electrical power and drain connections to automatically mate with the aircraft supplies.

 

LOHER Raumexklusiv, a new exhibitor, impressed with a VVIP galley/bar concept integrated in an imaginary A340 fuselage made for the fair. The company says the idea was to prove that galleys could be a creative design highlight of any VVIP interior. The art deco style design incorporates luxurious materials including Onyx Fantastico, Macassar veneer, gold dust and mother of pearl. Functional elements such as a teppanyaki grill and induction cookers have been incorporated in the galley. After use, the cooker and the extractor hood are concealed by the sliding red onyx marble worktop. Specially made pull-out cooling units have been built in under the bar top, while a coffee machine, microwave and induction oven have been integrated in the back wall of the galley, vanishing when necessary behind flexible glass light panels. An extractor hood has been designed next to the cooker.
Picture: Klaus Jordan

 

LSG Sky Chefs and Norduyn showed the Quantum lightweight trolley, the result of joint development by the companies, which won a Crystal Cabin Award in the greener cabin, health and safety category. The companies say that the lightweight composite material selected for the new trolley has achieved weight savings of 40% compared to traditional aluminium frame trolleys. The material also provides a high level of insulation, requiring less dry ice. Further benefits include a reduction in inventory and maintenance costs through fewer parts, and improved fleet management and tracking with fitted RFID chips. By applying the technology and production capabilities of Norduyn, while drawing on LSG Sky Chefs’ practical experience in airline catering, crew handling and the management of over 60,000 trolleys for major airlines worldwide, Quantum’s design has been finely tuned to meet the daily needs of airlines and their crews. Features, colours and branding can be adjusted for individual airlines. Quantum recently received airworthiness certification, allowing it to be used on board by airlines worldwide. Production has begun with the Atlas half-size and full-size trolleys, and further models will be added to the series in 2011.

LSG Sky Chefs also displayed a range of its catering equipment solutions, including environmentally friendly equipment developed for TAM Airlines, which was launched into service in April 2010. TAM was using disposable equipment made of conventional plastic material on international routes, but wanted an environmentally friendly alternative that would also help improve handling and enhance the overall appeal of the product. Based on this brief, LSG Sky Chefs developed a series of compostable equipment for TAM to replace the plastic equipment in economy class, while retaining a similar shape. The material is made of sugarcane, which is a non-tree, renewable material that is 100% biodegradable (it fully decomposes in 60 days). The material is resistant to water, oil and heat and is non-toxic. The product can be branded and tailored to individual needs, and the trays are stackable and ergonomic, featuring smooth edges which are resistant to tearing.

 

Onboard Logistics presented its patented castor alignment system with directional control. Using the system, the crew can lock a trolley’s four castors at the same time by pushing down on the red and green pedals together. This ensures that the trolley can go forward or backwards in a straight line. The trolley reverts to a 360° rotation when the green pedal is pressed alone. The company says the main benefits of the system are that it eases access in and out of galley opes for cabin crew, thus reducing back strain injury; it allows straight line movement in the cabin; and enhances sideways stability in kitchen operations.

 

 

 

Sell showcased its new generation of galley inserts, which will be available from the first quarter of 2011. The range includes ovens, coffeemakers, beverage makers, water boilers, and bun warmers – all available in Atlas and Arinc versions. They have been styled with a new elegant look to fit smoothly with cabin interior design. With regard to weight saving, the new oven is 6.5kg lighter, which Sell estimates will save customers approximately US$6,500 on kerosene per oven per year. The programmable oven boasts one-hand handling and is available in 32- or 48-meal versions. The coffeemaker, with 1.5 litre capacity, can dispense instant or fresh coffee and tea, while the beverage maker serves instant coffee and tea and also has a 1.5 litre capacity. The water boiler has a 3.2 litre capacity and features an insulated tap, while the bun warmer features automatic cut-off to make overheating impossible.

Sell has also just achieved a milestone – the delivery of its 40,000th galley unit, which will be installed on an Emirates A380-800. Emirates received its first Sell galley in 2001 for a B777. 164 Emirates aircraft have been equipped by Sell.

 

TIMCO Aerosystems, a subsidiary of TIMCO Aviation Services, unveiled its new CUBE aircraft galley. The new galley is based on a modular design concept, with a standardised outside shell structure and separate, adaptable inserts to meet a wide variety of customer needs and requirements. This enables customers to create an initial configuration to meet their current galley service requirements, and also delivers product longevity by facilitating galley insert reconfiguration to accommodate service changes over the life of the aircraft. The company says its new galley makes efficient use of fewer parts and innovative materials, supporting a lower ongoing cost of maintenance.

Soft furnishings/seat comfort

Aeristo introduced three new products – luxury automotive features modified and adapted to meet aviation requirements. The first one of these is VentiMesh, a passive seat ventilation and comfort material designed for excellent fireblocking capabilities. The second is Fybairheat, a nano-carbon fibre heating foil system that Aeristo reports is light in weight with no magnetic fields (it also qualifies as RFI shielding material), and is suitable for seat, panel and flooring installation. The third new product, Aerovitt, is a pneumatic seat adjustment system for lumbar and side support combined with optional massage systems – including seven-bladder lumbar massage and seatwalking. All three of these products are designed not only to improve aircraft passenger comfort, but also to yield weight savings through the use of ultra-lightweight, technologically advanced materials.

 

Andrew Muirhead & Son unveiled Voyager, a new lightweight leather. The company says its made-to-order leather is 30% lighter (about 600g per square metre) while still a full 1mm in thickness; is still 100% genuine leather; and has greater elasticity than standard leather, allowing for more flexible use. The company also launched a new anti-stain treatment, which is available on all Muirhead manufactured products. The new treatment is complemented by Muirhead’s specially developed leather wipes and has been tested to the extreme with biro pen on cream leather. “This innovation will help keep cabins cleaner and fresher for longer,” said Archie Browning, sales director at the company. “Our leather is already known for being a hard-wearing investment product and will now benefit airlines by helping to reduce line maintenance.”

 

Lantal displayed its Climatex LifeguardFR range of seat cover fabrics, which was a finalist for this year’s Crystal Cabin Award in the greener cabin, health and safety category. The fabrics feature a climatising function designed to improve passenger comfort, especially on long-haul flights. Climatex LifeguardFR is fully biodegradable, so after a long service life, the seat covers can be returned to biological cycles. The selection of fibres, the textile chemicals, and the production processes ensure that none of the fabric constituents have any potential to cause undesirable toxicological or ecotoxicological effects. Lantal says its Climatex LifeguardFR range has achieved the Cradle-to-Cradle Gold certificate and is compliant with all transport industry safety standards.

Another Lantal innovation – its Pneumatic Comfort System – was on show at ZIM Flugsitz’s stand, integrated into the German seat manufacturer’s premium-economy seat. The air cushion system has had a faultless track record since it was introduced to commercial wide-body service with Swiss over a year ago. Passengers can adjust the firmness of the cushion, and also enjoy massage and lumbar support.

 

Regent Aerospace announced new (and separate) partnerships with two companies – Yarwood Leather and InterfaceFlor. Regent Aerospace has been working closely with Yarwood Leather for almost two years on developing a next-generation leather. “We are finalising our new product launch,” said Reza Soltanian, owner and president of Regent Aerospace. Yarwood says the leather offers a solution for many in-service issues caused by leathers in high-wear areas and a desire by airlines to extend aesthetic durability. Yarwood also presented its second-generation heat release compliant leather, Kalorlite (designed for use in both vertical panels and seating, particularly for first- and business-class consoles), its regular SupaLite leather (which weighs 600g/m²) and SupaLite Nano (which weighs 450g/m²).

Meanwhile Regent Aerospace’s partnership with InterfaceFlor, a modular carpet manufacturer, has resulted in a green carpet solution that is already in service with a launch customer.

 

rohi and Anker presented their Contrast in Harmony textile concept, which this year won a red-dot design award. The main aim was to make distinctions between the classes, while still producing a harmonious and consistent feel across the cabin. The textiles dispense with customary bold patterns and instead combine interesting textures, a three-dimensional appearance and different pattern-repeat lengths. Their appearance changes according to the angle at which the observer looks at it. rohi and Anker cooperate closely every year to produce a joint aircraft collection consisting of matching seat upholstery fabrics, curtain materials and carpets. The two companies’ design teams work together intensively to offer the client a complete textile concept from what is effectively a single source.

 

Tannerie Rémy Carriat, a first-time exhibitor, launched a range of aircraft-certified Bull Nubuck leather. The leather is available in a range of 75 colours. Many are available in stock at the tannery, but if the colour is not available the lead time is four weeks. Bull Nubuck is also available in different thicknesses – from 0.9/1.1mm to 2.2/2.4mm.

 

 

Health, safety and hygiene

AmSafe debuted its next-generation passenger seatbelt for commercial aircraft. The seatbelt is a streamlined version of AmSafe’s traditional design, and nearly 25% lighter. The new lightweight seatbelt has the same attach points as the conventional AmSafe seatbelt and can be retrofitted on both premium and economy seats. It will be available for shipping in the third quarter of 2010. “The improved ergonomic style of the AmSafe buckle is nicely suited for the modern seats and interiors of new aircraft and meets the requirements of the FAA,” said Herb Mardany, vice president and general manager of AmSafe Aviation. The company also introduced a new lightweight cargo restraint system made with Dyneema, which it says is stronger, lighter and lasts longer.

 

Diehl Aerosystems displayed a floor-to-floor cabin interiors module and an electronic door management system (doors and slides management system – DSMS). Part of its display was the new e-latch safety device for overhead lockers, which lights up green when the locker is closed properly, and red when it is not. In addition, Dasell – due to become part of Diehl Aerosystems shortly, subject to approval by the relevant authorities – was on the stand with its high integrated flexible lavatory (HILA), which won this year’s Crystal Cabin Award in the passenger comfort category. The lavatory compartment is 37in wide on the ground, but can by expanded by crew once in flight to 53in, taking space from the exit/entrance areas, which are not needed during flight. It is designed to increase passenger comfort and access (especially for people with restricted mobility, using an aircraft wheelchair), increase hygiene (through the combination of bowl and urinal in one housing with touch-less functions) and lower water consumption. HILA is a modular system and can therefore also be configured as a changing room without toilet or urinal, or a urinal-lavatory exclusively for male passengers.

 

General Ecology showcased its new Versa-Pure Quick Change drinking water system for aircraft, designed to be small in size, light in weight, and enable easy maintenance. Highlights of the new system include small interface unit mounted at water service points; automatic shut-off and backflow prevention; air vent/vacuum break; purification, scale control, taste and odour removal capabilities; two sizes to optimise flow rate and capacity; and a sanitary cover bypass connector.

 

Lufthansa Technik presented the latest development of its Guideline ColourFit non-electric emergency floor-path guidance system. The new Guideline ColourFit has a minimal height of 2.3mm to fit in every non-textile door on board and is especially certified for galleys. Based on a photoluminescent principle, Guideline ColourFit shows the way to emergency exits in the event of a failure of the cabin lighting system. The product requires 15 to 30 minutes of cabin light to charge the system for a 12-hour flight. The material, which stores the light and then disperses it gradually, is non-radioactive, has low flammability and is entirely non-toxic. The light-storing process can be repeated infinitely, and Lufthansa Technik says that other than routine cleaning, no maintenance is required. The product is available in 15 colours, has been granted STCs by the EASA and the FAA and can be installed on all commercial aircraft.

Also on display was the company’s new onboard stretcher, which can be installed over passenger seats in the aircraft. The system features height adjustment, a 210 x 70cm mattress and weighs 38kg (84lbs).

The company also announced a new offering – aerosight, a cabin surveillance camera system. aerosight can simultaneously handle up to 16 cameras in the pressurised area of an aircraft, enabling pilots to monitor access to the cockpit and overlook the cabin as well as the cargo compartment. The camera system automatically switches between a coloured day view mode and an infrared night view mode. aerosight is an iP-based camera system with an integrated LAN connection. Additionally it can be connected with the pilots’ EFBs Class II (such as laptops with docking stations in the cockpit). Lufthansa Technik developed aerosight for an undisclosed launch customer and will start to offer the system for other customers in the first quarter of 2011.

Schroth Safety Products, a wholly owned subsidiary of BAE Systems, launched a new lightweight restraint system for airline passengers – AirLite. The company’s product range includes passenger lap belts, VIP restraints, crew restraints and belt-integrated airbag systems.

Materials and components

Bostik, a first-time exhibitor, presented its interior adhesives for the aerospace industry. These include web adhesives, which are used for applications ranging from helping customers to make a lighter composite panel, to bonding decorative film to interior components such as stow bin doors. Bostik produces a variety of web adhesives, both flame retardant (FR) and non-FR. Bostik also produces FR film adhesives. Its embossing resins work well for laminating and bonding applications. The company also has thermoplastic bonding films that can be pre-applied to a base substrate. Furthermore Bostik has a variety of FR PSA film adhesives ranging from bonding decorative to PSA tapes for thermo/acoustical insulation and backing for hook and loop systems for hanging insulation bags. The company also produces a range of FR liquid adhesives, which are used for thermo/acoustical insulation bag film, evacuation slides, decorative bonding, hook and loop and a number of other aerospace applications. Another new product that Bostik is currently developing is a high-strength FR epoxy.

 

Gurit showcased its next-generation aircraft interior prepreg, PB1000. PB1000 is a modified benzoxazine resin that boasts zero formaldehyde and phenol residue, satisfying the most recent environmental standards like Airbus AP2091. The company says the prepreg features a non-volatile rapid cure, generating a perfect void- and porous-free surface. The company also showcased PF811-F200 Facesheet, a UD-carbon fibre reinforced thermosetting pre-impregnated facesheet for aircraft parts. PF811-F200 Facesheet is a preplied material consisting of cross-plied carbon prepreg with an E-glass fabric surface impregnated with flame-retardant phenolic resin and comes with Gurit’s adhesive layer for bonding to core materials. Gurit says that both PB1000 and PF811-F200 Facesheet comply fully with international JAR/FAR fire protection regulations regarding flammability, smoke, toxicity and heat release. Both are designed for commonly used fast hot-in/hot-out curing processes.

 

Lamera displayed samples of its new Alubrix (aluminium Hybrix) material. The company won four Crystal Cabin Awards in 2007 for developing Hybrix, a hollow stainless steel sheet, and has applied this technology to aluminium to make it even lighter. Lamera was also nominated for a Crystal Cabin Award in 2008 in cooperation with Sandvik for introducing DecoBrix – colour integration in steel, essentially a nanotechnology to produce pre-coloured metal on coil, so that neither painting nor decorative laminates are needed.

 

SABIC Innovative Plastics launched five new high-performance thermoplastic materials for aircraft interiors. These include a new Lexan XHR (extremely low heat release) 6000 sheet, which the company says offers an 11% weight reduction compared to traditional polyvinyl chloride/acrylic products, while meeting OSU requirements for aircraft seating, cockpit linings, window surrounds, door shrouds, and other interior components. The company also introduced new carbon-filled Ultem resins, which it says feature exceptional stiffness and double the flow, enabling improved processing and productivity of thin-wall moulded parts to replace airline-grade die-cast aluminium in structural components for up to 50% weight savings and up to a 40% increase in strength. Potential applications include structural supports, armrests, footrests, galley applications such as coffeemaker chassis, and tray table arms. At the show, the company showcased tray table arms under development with Vaupell. There is also a new transparent Lexan F2000A sheet, suitable for windows, light diffusers and signs where clarity is requested; a new transparent Lexan FST copolymer resin, which can be combined with Lexan XHR sheet to match colours for components such as personal service units, window reveals, and threshold trims; and a new Ultem 9090 resin.

The company also displayed LSG Sky Chefs and Norduyn’s new line of ultra-light inflight trolleys, which feature UV-resistant Ultem resin for the extrusion profiles and door latch, and Noryl resin for the frame and other components. SABIC Innovative Plastics said the use of its materials helped reduce trolley weight by up to 40% to 16kg (37.5 lbs) for a full-size trolley and 9.9kg (23.1 lbs) for a half-size trolley. “A top-performing materials solution that specifically enabled us to achieve extreme light weight, durability, chemical and hot water resistance, regulatory compliance and parts consolidation was absolutely critical to the success of our new trolley line,” said Thomas Köhler, head of engineering, LSG Sky Chefs. “SABIC Innovative Plastics delivered exactly what we needed. Not only do Ultem and Noryl resins meet all of our quality requirements, they also helped us achieve greater manufacturing efficiencies for reduced system costs.” In addition to its multi-resin solution, SABIC Innovative Plastics provided value-added services to this project from its Global Application Technology (GapT) organization, including chemical performance testing to simulate washing cycles, equalling a minimum of 10 years of cleaning; food staining and UV stability testing; and custom colour matching.

 

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics (SGPPL) spotlighted new critical connections solutions for floor-to-floor applications, aircraft monuments, and galleys. The solutions incorporate a wide range of high-performance silicone sealing technologies (both extruded and moulded) dedicated for galleys, cabin baggage bins, toilets, emergency exits, dampening plates, crew rest grounds, and furnishing panel seals. SGPPL says these technologies guarantee interior components are watertight, airtight, and light-tight through the incorporation of fabrics and proprietary SGPPL coatings.

Schott displayed a new family of reading lights, which combine standardised technology with customisable design. Each allows the light intensity to be dimmed gradually to suit the respective task at hand. Schott says offering standardised technology allows it to react quickly to individual customer requests. It also says the family is soon to be cleared for use in all Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and that the entire product line can be operated inside a voltage range of 5-28V, making it compatible with all types of conventional seat electronics. The range includes Orbit, a compact rotatable reading light, as well as the more premium-orientated Cobra, Horizon and Zenith. Head, sheathing material and colour can be specified individually to fit to the overall cabin design.

Schott also displayed its Narima glass, which although initially designed for architectural applications, the company says could find its way into VIP and business jet cabins. The rainbow-effect glass’s appearance changes on the viewing angle and how the sun is shining, and is now available in six colour combinations. The effect is achieved as a result of the various ultra-thin, mainly metal oxide coating layers that are applied to a base glass plate during manufacturing with the dipping method. The characteristic rainbow effect results from the combination of highly refractive and low refractive layers. The glass is available in formats of up to 3.77 x 1.77m and 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12mm in thickness.
Narima photo: Helmut Groh

Window shading

InspecTech Aero Service launched a new aircraft cabin window shade – the E3 Tri-Tech Shading System, which integrates its I-Shade electronic smart windows with electromechanical pleated fabric shades. I-Shades incorporates two electrically controlled light-control films (SPD-Smart film and APD film) enclosed between thin, weight-saving plastic. These control light, glare and heat by adjusting instantly from fully clear to completely private, and to any level of view-preserving tint in between. The tint can be precisely tuned from each window by passengers, or cabin-wide by the crew. Daylight management can also be controlled automatically and in real time by the use of sensors. InspecTech has designed the E3 Tri-Tech Shading System architecture to electronically interface with a variety of pleated shades, in order to provide maximum interior colour and fabric design options. E3 Tri-Tech products are now being offered by aircraft shade manufacturers working with InspecTech.

These include MSA Aircraft Products, which unveiled its Accordia E3 Tri-Tech shade product line at the show, based on its traditional Accordia opaque shade. “Industry actions and trends tell us the next generation of cabin shading systems include smart windows, and that dual-pleated shades are becoming obsolete based on performance,” said Tim Schweitzer, president of MSA Aircraft Products.

 

SmartGlass International, a Research Frontiers licensee, exhibited an SPD-Smart aircraft cabin window and other smart glass products at partner Schott’s booth. It also announced an agreement with Research Frontiers to expand the scope of its license to include SPD-Smart aircraft and marine products, and a further expansion of the geographic territory where it can offer these and its SPD-Smart architectural products. Under the new agreement, SmartGlass International is authorised to manufacture and offer SPD-Smart architectural, aerospace and marine products worldwide. Schott has the right to sell SmartGlass International’s SPD-Smart products.

SPD-Smart light-control film technology, developed and patented by Research Frontiers, transforms widely used products – windows, skylights, curtainwalls, partitions, sunroofs and more – into products that allow users to instantly and precisely control the light, glare and heat entering. SPD-SmartGlass is instantly tunable to an infinite number of light transmission states regardless of window size, and easily adapts to individual preferences using control devices ranging from basic dimmer switches and photosensors to those that are integrated into a building’s or vehicle’s intelligent control system.

 

Meanwhile, another Research Frontiers licensee, Vision Systems, premiered its SPD-Smart variably tintable aerospace windows, Nuance. Nuance gives users the ability to instantly and uniformly control the amount of light and heat entering the aircraft – from optically clear to blocking over 99.5% of visible light. The company has also developed the Dual Comfort Shade, featuring two electrical shades in one system – the first roller shade is designed for UV limitation and the second for blackout. The system also offers an anti-jamming device, a remote control at the seat and a manual unlocking system in case of emergency. The non-pleated blackout and UV filter shades can be customised with a large choice of fabrics (including silk and leather) and colours. This concept can be piloted by the cabin management or directly at the seat. It is also possible to synchronise the whole apparel's shades.

Aircraft Interiors Expo will return to the Hamburg Messe on 5-7 April 2011.