Airborne UK combines Design & Engineering with industrialised composite manufacturing and in-house R&D which is a strong enabler in the world of high-end composites for marine. We believe that knowing what we design and how to make it gives a real understanding of both the possibilities and challenges of composite designs and that this is the best way to optimise and improve.
Since 2002 Airbrone UK has been developing a wealth of experience in design and manufacture of Tidal Turbine blades made of composites. Our in-depth knowledge about the maritime industry enables us to push the boundaries of composite applications forward and to enable our customers and partners to excel in their business. With this wide range of capabilities in house, we are truly a one-stop shop for your maritime and offshore structures.
Airborne AEL is ISO 9001 approved and as such has all the necessary production and quality systems in place for component manufacture.
One organisation for all your marine development needs
We have world leading experience in submerged composite structures and fatigue and specialise in structural design and manufacturing of composite tidal turbine blades and other sub-sea composite structures. Airborne UK offers a single source from customer concept through structural design / prototyping / testing / tooling / manufacture and certification. One organisation, set up to deal with all your marine project development needs.
Our capabilities:
- Design & Stress Analysis: Full CAD facilities, ANSYS FEA suite, materials database and a range of in house developed computer tools aimed at the tidal turbine blade & marine renewables industry
- Testing: Experienced in test design and set up, extensive materials testing R&D programmed, some in house testing but usually use test houses. AEL has taken the long view with a large investment in R&D into composite materials in fatigue loadings and after conditioning with seawater to ensure long term structural integrity for the long life that renewable energy devices need to ensure financial viability. This data is now becoming available for use in our design programs.
- Tooling: Tooling to suit lower costs for prototypes, high quality for volume, all NC manufactured for accuracy. Investment in latest techniques for accurate and fast prototyping.
- Certification: Experienced with DNV, GL, Certification Requirements, Design reports etc. Our R&D program is overseen by DNV to ensure relevance and integrity.
- Manufacture: Full QA material traceability, traceable process control, purpose built computer controlled oven, NC pre-preg cutting.
Scaling up: moving the tidal industry to the next phase
At a steady pace, tidal energy technology is maturing towards proven and qualified products. This development brings demand for industrial manufacture at a much larger scale. Automation and digital manufacturing will be crucial for scaling up the manufacturing processes while keeping the required cost efficiency. We can leverage the know-how, experience and heritage for industrialisation of composite processes, as available in the Airborne group. We will continue our R&D programs to accelerate the product development, using our data long-term testing results so that we can provide reliable data to ensure that fatigue life is achieved. Upon this solid base, we are ready to move the tidal industry into the next phase.
Our offerings
Composite solutions for tidal turbine blades
Tidal energy is more and more likely to take its permanent place in the market of renewables. The technology is not yet mature and the Cost of Energy generated by tidal turbines must prove to be competitive with other renewable resources, yet Airborne believes that, with its extensive know-how of composites design and industrialised manufacturing, we can contribute to making tidal energy competitive with cost-effective, robust composite tidal blades with long operational life spans.
Composite solutions for ship propeller blades
The market for ship propeller blades is mature and occupied by metalic solutions. However, composites offer the potential to increase performance, comfort and durability for this market. Composite propeller blades are non-corrosive, lightweight and will bring down cavitation noise. Furthermore they reduce erosion and fuel consumption through the flexibility and adaptability of the blades. The potential of more efficient and effective propulsion lies around the corner, an area of great interest to Airborne.
Contact me
Joe Summers – Managing Director Airborne UK
For more information about our products and services, please contact me:
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