The Farnborough International Airshow, held this year from July 22-26, always provides a diverse selection of companies within the global aerospace industry. Aerospace Manufacturing previews what some of the exhibitors will be showcasing at the event.

Taking place this year from 22-26 July, the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) is always an eagerly anticipated event for the aerospace community. The show will not only feature the usual exciting range of aircraft, but also a comprehensive gathering of exhibitors, involved in every aspect of the aerospace supply chain.

On show in the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) stand, Airbus (hall 3, stand 501) will have a 3D-printed wing model, highlighting latest generation technology to improve performance of its aircraft wings.

At the Airbus pavilion, there will be an array of displays for guests, ranging from informative stands on the processes involved in producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to interactive features and video content on Airbus’ drive towards decarbonisation across all areas of the business.

Inside the tent, Airbus will be showing a A350F Cut-away model, a Skynet 6A satellite model, an A330 MRTT model, and a model of the City Airbus VTOL. On its runway static display, the single-aisle workhorse A220, the long range A330neo, the C295, the A400M, a H135M and H160 helicopter and a Flexrotor Drone will be on show. This year’s flying display will include an Airbus A321XL.

Aircraft Lighting International (ALI) (hall 3, stand 944) provide safety-certified aircraft interior lighting systems. Recently, it has found great success with its new Aura RGBW LED system which will be showcased at FIA 2024 this year. This system consists of only three wires and is a simple retrofit solution for nearly every business and regional jet. Consequently, this system decreases installation time, saves labour costs, reduces wiring weight, and subsequently improves fuel consumption.

Operating on a 28VDC current, the Aura system allows customers to integrate the new lighting with their existing CMS systems and, also, control the lights via ALI’s proprietary app. With customisable presets, variable colour temperature, and millions of colours to choose from, the Aura system has something for everyone.

Altair (hall1, stand 116) has a deep understanding of both engineering and production environments, offering comprehensive open solutions that merge simulation, data analytics, IIOT, and digital twins; backed by HPC and AI. Altair empowers companies to take data-driven decisions and deliver programmes on time, at cost, and create a safer, more connected, and more sustainable future for aviation.

Join Altair for thought-provoking discussions, private meetings, and exclusive events with Altair’s international leadership team. Book a meeting with its team and discover how Altair’s digital technologies can address your design, manufacturing, and business challenges.

At the heart of aerospace technology lies a crucial component: reliable electronics. In this industry, where safety is paramount, the integrity of electronic systems is non-negotiable. That's where hermetic solutions step in, ensuring the protection of vital electronics from the unforgiving environment and external contaminants.

AMETEK Specialty Metal Products (SMP) (hall 4, stand 1314/1413) will be exhibiting its range of precision-engineered tube, strip and powder materials for aerospace and space applications. AMETEK SMP has pioneered materials that have enabled the most ground-breaking aerospace projects for over 85 years. Today, the business collaborates with OEMs to engineer precision metal products for current and next-generation programmes.

Hermetic Seal, Sealtron, and Aegis are part of the AMETEK Engineered Interconnect and Packaging (EIP) family of brands. The company manufactures hermetically sealed interconnects and packages that operate in critical aerospace components - engines, landing gear, actuators, electronic equipment, and more.

AMETEK PDS is a leading global supplier of components and systems, including power distribution systems, starter generators, actuation, data acquisition, DC motors, utility controllers, and RF amplifiers. For over 90 years, its expertise in the complex design and manufacturing of advanced, rugged, and lightweight components has solved customers’ product solution challenges. PDS will be showcasing its latest in solid state power distribution technology, flight critical actuation systems, long-life starter generators, and tactical booster amplifiers from the company’s recent acquisition AR Modular RF.

Ansys (chalet C221) will discuss how its solutions are helping pave the way for the future of A&D. The aerospace and defence industries are rapidly transforming. New challenges loom — from advances in adversarial capabilities, to changes in the Earth’s climate. But at the same time, new technologies are redefining the art of the possible. The real problem has become: how do we harness innovations to address the problems at hand, at the tempo required to meet the mission? The answer is digital engineering. A mission-centric, connected digital thread approach is at the heart of every Ansys solution for the aerospace and defence industries. To keep pace with rapid technological changes, companies must embrace digital transformation to create more flexible processes, update legacy programmes, and build a workforce empowered to innovate at scale. Simulation is essential to successful digital transformation because it accelerates innovative leaps, reduces costs, and mitigates risks, enabling organisations to create better products faster.

For more than 70 years, AWE – Nuclear Security Technologies (hall 1, stand 207) has played a crucial role in protecting the nation through nuclear science and technology. Its role in nuclear defence, as an arms-length body of the MOD, is to design, develop, manufacture and maintain the warheads for the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) while also developing a replacement UK sovereign warhead. If you are keen to learn more about what the company does and how it wants to work with industry, drop by the stand to meet the AWE team.

Beagle Aircraft (hall 1, stand 317) provides the aerospace and space markets with turnkey manufacturing and design for manufacturing activities. These include fabrication, machining, assemblies, welding, stretch forming, chemical milling, composites, heat treatments, NDT, and protective treatments.

Typical products include leading edges, belly skins, tail cones, access/cargo doors, tail fins, metal-to-metal bonded panels, windows, and composite fairings. All these processes are supported by five Nadcap accreditations, AS9100, ISO9001 and prestigious customer approvals.

Barnbrook Systems (hall 1, stand 317) is a provider of global engineering solutions for the aerospace industry. Based in Fareham, Hampshire, it will be attending its 14th consecutive FIA this year.

Barnbrook Systems will be showcasing its innovative solutions at this year’s show. This includes its refuelling switch for helicopters and the next generation of its BlueCube remote monitoring systems.

Its team will also unveil more details about its work on hydrogen energy solutions, fire suppression systems, ultra-high pressure monitoring ranges and innovations in AI and machine learning.

Lancashire-based precision manufacturer, Bright Engineering (hall 1, stand 317) says it has developed a threefold sales strategy: first, latching onto opportunities in aerospace as the sector enjoys a sure and steady recovery. Secondly, taking advantage of the growing defence opportunities which have been significant. Bright has seen a major upturn in the sector, equating to roughly 10% of turnover. Finally, diversification across several manufacturing sectors remains a sure way of ensuring growth and stability.

In fact, the company expects to increase sales turnover this year by a further 10% and grow its exports to the US by around 20% of existing levels.  

Bright Engineering was able to demonstrate its capability so effectively that it was recently awarded BAE Systems approval, something that is not regular or commonplace for most medium-sized subcontractors. As a fairly new, but highly capable supplier to BAE Systems Air Sector, Bright is well positioned for future growth and for supporting new programmes.

The company has recently invested in 3D printing and intends to use it to streamline its fixture manufacture for both CNC machining and inspection.

Busch (hall 1, stand 307) will be demonstrating its cutting-edge autoclave solutions for the aerospace industry at FIA 2024.

Busch’s autoclave experts will be available at the event to discuss how their innovative autoclave solutions meet the specific needs of composites manufacturers for the aerospace industry.

At the Busch booth, visitors will learn about how Busch’s comprehensive range of autoclave solutions can be designed and built to meet their specific requirements. New autoclaves, manufactured by our trusted partner, range from small development autoclaves through to large aerospace autoclaves. Visitors will also discover Busch’s autoclave upgrades, such as efficient cooling systems, custom vacuum systems and state-of-the-art control systems.

A highlight of the display will be a demonstration of the Autoclave Management and Control System (AMCS). This modular system is engineered by an in-house team of software architects and control engineers and features remote monitoring capabilities for global support.

Cranden Diamond Products UK (hall 4, stand 1540) says it has perfected a range of bespoke resin bonded grinding wheels to specifically dress carbide sprayed parts for aerospace. As the aerospace industry disposes of chrome as a hard coating for vulnerable aircraft parts, the use of HVOF and other carbide-based sprays have necessitated the need for a fast grinding range of wheel shapes.

Cranden has created a hard polyimide bond that is free cutting yet very durable for stock removing and finishing this difficult material. The company can also supply diamond galvanic profile wheels to get into problematical radii and forms that are coated. The key to their effectiveness is that they are bespoke - Cranden make wheels to order and supply them very quickly.

“We want to deliver grinding wheels when the customer wants them, not when it suits our production,” stated operations director, Stuart Cleary. “We learned that fast production of special tooling is a real need, especially in British manufacturing, and have grown our business to suit this rapid reaction supply requirement alongside our regular forward ordering customers.” 

Cranden Diamond products are also used for GRP wing manufacture, internal honeycomb panels within aircraft cabins and galleys, etc.

Evolito (hall 1, stand 107), the pioneer of world-leading axial-flux electric motors, power electronics, and battery solutions for aerospace applications will be showcasing its latest range of lightweight electric motors and motor control building-blocks as well as solution concepts, that utilise those building blocks, for lightweight electric and hybrid electric propulsion and aerospace power generation.

Based in Oxford, Evolito is making electric flight a reality by offering world-leading electric axial flux motors, motor control units and battery systems for the global aerospace market. Evolito’s electric propulsion systems offer the highest power, torque, and energy densities in class and are inherently more robust than alternative technologies – mission critical in eVTOL, Urban Air Mobility and fixed-wing applications.

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) (hall 1, stand 317) is a business-winning trade association covering the South and South-East of England with members across the country and the world. It has brought several of its members to exhibit at its stand at the airshow and will be working to further their success.

Membership brings a multitude of benefits which is why many of its members have belonged to FAC for many years. It brings the smaller firms to the attention of the multi-nationals and creates opportunities in the aerospace, aviation, defence, space and defence sectors and their supply chains.

Joining FAC at the airshow are representatives of the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP). Many projects that have been massively influential would not have got off the ground without the support of FAC and NATEP. NATEP concludes in May 2025 and has been replaced by the ATI SME Programme.

Tiered manufacturers supplying parts to the aerospace industry will be able to discuss how G&P’s (hall 1, stand 320) services may help improve their quality and delivery performance at this year’s FIA 2024.

With manufacturing quality issues at the forefront of the aerospace industry and its supply chain, G&P will be exhibiting at the event for the third time as part of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA) members stand, part of the UK pavilion.

Most widely known for its work in the automotive industry, G&P also has significant experience in aerospace, working directly for engine OEMs and tiered suppliers throughout the supply chain.

Dorset-based Groveley Precision Engineering (hall 1, stand 317) is gearing up to return to FIA 2024. The company was first presented with SC21 Silver award at FIA 2012, and it continues to maintain its high level of service.

As a supplier of complex precision components and assemblies within advanced manufacturing sectors, a flexible approach is key - along with a constant drive for innovation.

Utilising 3D modelling CAD/CAM, 5-axis milling, multi-spindle mill-turning and finishing capability with 3D plastic printing, has kept the business exceeding customers’ expectations.

Leading the charge to electrify aerospace applications, Helix (hall 1, stand 320) says it has designed an optimised lift powertrain with integrated reduction transmission and propeller shaft bearing system capable of delivering 125kW continuously at propeller speeds up to 2,500rpm. A reduction ratio of 6:1 combines minimum powertrain mass with simplicity of transmission design. The transmission oil system rejects heat to the integrated motor cooling system to minimise airframe cooling system requirements.

The simple and highly fault-tolerant helix transmission assembly, which will be on display for the first time at the event, weighs in at around 10kg with over half of this mass accounting for the eVTOL propeller shaft and bearing system.

The core transmission architecture is highly scalable and lends itself to conventional aircraft propulsion where the propeller shaft and bearing system would be significantly lighter. Helix anticipates significant range benefit for aerospace powertrains between 100kW and 1,000kW of continuous power.

Hexagon (hall 3, stand 531) will showcase its cutting-edge aerospace design and manufacturing capabilities at FIA 2024. It will demonstrate how next-generation digital technologies can deliver consistent quality throughout the value chain,  enabling rapid engineering innovation and aerospace manufacturing ramp up. 

It will demonstrate four key focus areas on the stand, with experts on hand to delve into topics throughout design, production, assembly and quality: Accelerating low carbon aviation; Empowering adoption of new production technologies; Implementing agile production processes; Predict and solve challenges earlier in the lifecycle.

The High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult (hall 3, stand 501) will be demonstrating how it collaborates across the research ecosystem, government and supply chains to keep the UK aviation at the cutting-edge.

The Catapult has partnered with the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) on its UK aerospace technology showcase. As part of FIA 2024, it will show how it works with the ATI to select, develop and derisk innovative and advanced manufacturing technologies for the aerospace industry. This year, HVM Catapult will focus on the adoption of novel, green technologies that accelerate aviation’s journey to net-zero.

The centrepiece will be an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) which demonstrates the AMRC’s concept of a ‘digital thread’ - a single source of truth for information exchange and feedback.

Among other demonstrations from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult network, the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) will showcase its work on FutureForge, the world’s most pioneering hot forging research and innovation platform, and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) will shine a spotlight on its capabilities in large-scale additive manufacturing. Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) will exhibit its innovative work in advancing the safety requirements if battery technology is to be applied in aerospace, while the National Composites Centre (NCC) is demonstrating its exciting development of composite cryogenic tanks which have been designed, built and tested with liquid hydrogen.

Magnet Schultz (hall 4, stand 721), one of the UK’s leading authorities on solenoid assemblies and electric actuators, will show its newest hi-tech proportional solenoid valve for specific hydrogen gas flow control in aerospace applications at FIA 2024. The valve is the company’s first hydrogen power product built to comply with the EN9100 aerospace standard.

One of the first of its kind, the new EN9100-certified proportional valve for regulating hydrogen gas flow is supported by three other compact valves in the Magnet Schultz hydrogen and pressurised gas product family. Two of these valves are deployed in a confidential new engineering project for a pure aeronautical application focused on domestic flights. One provides a vital safety shut-off function and the other controls water discharge and the recirculation of unspent hydrogen.

Visitors to FIA 2024 can see the new EN9100-certified solenoid flow control valve for the first time alongside other hi-tech solenoid valve solutions on the Magnet Schultz stand.

Rampf Composite Solutions (hall 4, stand 520) is presenting one-stop engineered solutions for technologically advanced composite manufacturing. The full potential of composite technology is utilised for both low-volume production/early product development and series production by combining: Low-cost tooling and fixtures with outstanding mechanical properties; High-performance structural resins for effective and fast infusion; Structural optimisation via Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) technology for maximum speed and accuracy; Low-cost component production using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding (VARTM) method.

The company’s one-shot solution includes material qualification, built-in quality assurance, and automation processes for the manufacture of subsystems and fully scalable prototypes within a few weeks of design stage and with 25-30% cost savings.

The benefits are maximised for components that exhibit high structural, geometrical complexity (under-cuts, compound curvatures, pockets, etc.) and functional complexity (EMI shielding, static discharge, impact, flammability compliance).

Rockwood Composites (hall 1, stand 307) and its specialist subsidiary, Rockwood Aerospace is a supplier of choice to Vertical Aerospace. Together, they are advancing the development and serial manufacture of the VX4’s Generation 2 forward propellor blades.

Rockwood Composites, renowned for their expertise in compression moulding, brings cutting-edge technology to the table. Their one-shot curing technique eliminates secondary bonding operations, resulting in fully finished blades in a single manufacturing step. This efficiency ensures high-quality propellor blades that meet the rigorous demands of the aerospace industry.

Visitors to FIA 2024 can witness the future of aviation firsthand. Rockwood will showcase a selection of blades on its stand, including general aviation aircraft blades, drone blades and the eagerly anticipated VX4 Gen 2 blade.

Having already delivered over 50 propellor blades to Vertical Aerospace, including the 20-blade set featured on the latest VX4 aircraft, Rockwood continues to drive innovation in the aerospace industry.

thyssenkrupp Aerospace (chalet 209-210), is set to showcase its comprehensive suite of solutions. The company offers end-to-end services that include materials supply, value-added services, and innovative digital solutions.

Under its Materials as a Service strategy, thyssenkrupp Aerospace delivers expert support, ensuring clients have access to the highest quality of materials, including steel, aluminium and titanium, and demand forecasting services to offer a much-needed flexibility. At the heart of its offerings lies the Control Tower solution, designed to streamline supply chain management and enhance efficiency.

The company stocks and supplies a vast range of materials, including aluminium, steel and titanium in all forms from plate, sheet, bar and tube. It provides worldclass in-house capabilities offering technical services such as material cutting and machining to developments in automation, supply chain management, and 3PL/4PL solutions.

Aerospace chemical specialist, Zip-Chem (hall 1, stand 317), part of Addev Materials Aerospace and Defence, has for more than 50 years produced a range of cleaners, disinfectants, corrosion inhibiting compounds and lubricants approved and used by aircraft manufacturers and operators around the World.

Its latest innovation is the Sur-Prep PenEtch HFN, and FIA 2024 will be the first opportunity for international customers to see the new product. The aerospace industry widely uses a mixture of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid to etch titanium alloy before crack detection and various other processes. This is traditionally a hazardous process and quite difficult to control.

For the first time Zip-Chem has diluted the acids to the correct level and packaged them in a <50ml kit with a handy pen for localised application without mess. The product can be kept at the workstation until ready to be mixed, which is convenient as the two components must be used soon after mixing. The pen minimises contact with the chemicals for the operative. Etching Ti on fan blades or on alloy castings is made easy.

Zünd, a leading manufacturer of multifunctional digital cutting systems will on the Composite UK pavilion (hall 1, stand 307) showcasing its cutting-edge digital cutting technology tailored for the aerospace industry.

“With over 35 years of experience in supplying the aerospace industry, our cutting systems have become the preferred choice for many OEM manufacturers,” states Zund UK’s marketing manager, Gaj Jeevanandan. “Our systems are renowned for their versatility in processing a wide variety of materials. Zünd’s cutting systems are uniquely designed with a modular concept, allowing for exceptional flexibility and expandability.

“Each cutter is custom-built to meet specific customer requirements, ensuring future-proof solutions. Our digital cutters come with a comprehensive range of tools and modules for composite applications, including processing carbon fibre, structural foam, honeycomb, prepreg, aramid fibre, and glass fibre. Additionally, we offer innovative accessories such as material registration, contactless part-marking, projection and robotics.”

Every Zünd cutting system is equipped with the proprietary Zünd Cut Centre software, which streamlines the entire production workflow - from file import and production planning to cutting data optimisation, system management, and remote production monitoring.

Finally, Zygo (hall 4, stand 1314) says that for 50+ years, it has been the recognised global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced optical metrology systems and ultraprecise optical components and assemblies for mission critical applications. This combination is said to make Zygo the ideal partner for space-based communications, earth observation, aerospace and defence applications.

Zygo’s expertise in the design and manufacture of high-precision reconnaissance windows, telescopes, laser fusion amplifiers and targeting devices enables it to exceed the demands of the most demanding conditions. The company’s proven processes and expertise deliver consistent quality and reliability while meeting the stringent requirements for compact packaging, environmental robustness and high-energy power durability. With over 850 patents, Zygo is the ideal partner for high-precision measurements and optics manufacturing.

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