Past Events (2007)

This editor was privileged to take part in a most interesting and rare SAMPE event, several months in the planning. David Carlton, Honorary Secretary of the chapter, arranged and coordinated on SAMPE’s side, together with David Phipps, Head of the Composites Development Center (CSDC) and Luci Jackson, also of Filton. David served as “ombudsman” as well, helping any who were delayed or encountered problems enroute etc.

As expected, the Airbus tour of the Composites Development Center and A400M military transport wing assembly facilities, proved exceedingly popular, with over 40 attendees signed up well in advance, plus a healthy waiting list to boot. An interesting tactic: the chapter had originally planned to extend tour eligibility to non-SAMPE members in an effort to generate interest, but so many SAMPE members responded immediately that there was simply no place left for outsiders (the tour group size was limited on the facility side).

This well-known Airbus manufacturing and research site is also steeped in UK aviation history. Notably, the British Concorde supersonic jetliners were built here, along with other famous postwar planes (the Bristol Brabazon comes to mind, a small piece of one‘s tail displayed near the entry gate).

The SAMPE members visit and A400M + CSDC tour took place on Wednesday, November 7th 2007, with the official program closely adhered to, as below. Space does not permit an elaborate description of activities, but briefly:

Participants arrived around 10 AM at the Main Reception area and obtained visitor’s passes, then proceeded over to the CSDC, some distance away.

10:30 - there we assembled, coffee and snacks were offered prior to the opening presentation. We conversed, exchanged updates, met old friends and new ones.

10:45 - Presentation by Airbus. David Phipps extended a warm welcome, then described EADS, Airbus, and Filton’s activities, especially A400M wing assembly and the role of the CSDC, which he leads.

11:00 - Tours began – of CSDC work as well as the A400M assembly building. For this purpose we divided into two groups, one of which went first to see the CSDC, with its fascinating composite wing development work and related activities.


David Phipps (Airbus) giving a welcome speech
David Phipps (Airbus) welcoming the
SAMPE members to the Filton Facility.


The technical visit proved be very popular,
The technical visit proved to be popular,
with more than 40 delegates attending it.
At this time the other group went off by bus to visit the A400M composite wing assembly building. Upon arrival there, this group was again split in two, with each receiving a guide, in order to facilitate moving around in the large new facility.

For those unfamiliar with the program, the new 4-engined A400M European military transport is the first such aircraft to have a carbon composite wing, the wing itself being the largest composite wing yet used on such a plane. The wing is assembled from parts arriving from Airbus plants and suppliers throughout Europe and beyond. As we saw, it begins life vertically, for structural assembly, then is switched to the horizontal position for systems and equipment outfitting and checking.

Upon completion of this stage of our Filton visit, the roles were reversed, so that everyone had the same opportunities to see and learn about both facilities. Also notable: I for one was surprised to discover that the CSDC is home to the “old” European Framework Program (FP6) TANGO composite R&D wing, which we saw and had explained in detail, along with its useful test results.
Within the CSDC research facility itself, our host showed and described composites development progress on such important structural wing components as C-spars, ribs, skins and various smaller parts, control surfaces - and other somewhat peripheral but equally fascinating activities, such as manufacturing by stereo lithography methods.

13:00 - A standup buffet lunch was provided by the host SAMPE chapter, with lively discussion and ample networking opportunities, following the two different facilities inspections tours (walking, looking and listening definitely generates an appetite).

After lunch and before we all departed, Prof. Andrew Long, President of the SAMPE UK and Ireland Chapter, warmly thanked David Phipps and his several colleagues who assisted with the visit. In an innovative twist, and in return for the visiting opportunity, David received a one year gratis membership in SAMPE, making him (one of) our newest European members. We certainly hope to see and meet him again at future SAMPE events in Europe - and perhaps elsewhere.

At about 14:00 - the visitors departed for home; back to Munich - in my case. Soon  after leaving the plant, but still alongside the field (which remains an active airport), a lone Spitfire WW2 fighter aircraft (from the heritage collection) suddenly appeared, passing low overhead, a fitting symbolic (and undoubtedly coincidental) gesture of farewell.
 

Past Events (2007)

Past Events (2006)

Past Events (2005)

Past Events (2004 and before)