Spirit AeroSystems Joins ThermoPlastic Composites Research Center as Tier-1 Member

Spirit AeroSystems has joined the ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC) as a Tier-1 member. Located in the Netherlands, the TPRC is a world-renowned open innovation research and development center established to advance thermoplastic composites technologies for a broad range of end use markets. Spirit will join a community of 20 Tier-1 and Tier-2 members, including other aircraft manufacturers, equipment and material suppliers and leading research universities.

“Spirit is pleased to join the TPRC as a Tier-1 member,” said Spirit Vice President for Research and Development Sean Black. “With the potential for significantly reduced processing times and costs over traditional thermoset composites, thermoplastics will undoubtedly have a greater, if not primary, role in future high-rate aircraft programs. As a Tier-1 member, Spirit will join in shaping the TPRC’s overall research roadmap, as well as pursue independent research activities to continue to develop our offerings in ultra-competitive composites, one of Spirit’s seven distinctive capabilities.”

Harald Heerink, General Manager at TPRC comments, “Spirit AeroSystems joining the TPRC as a Tier-1 member demonstrates the company´s dedication to driving the adoption of new technologies that will open additional opportunities for the aerospace industry. In addition, it represents an appropriate step towards our integrated approach to component design, from raw material, through design and manufacturing and on to mass production. For that reason, we are excited to have Spirit AeroSystems on-board as a new TPRC Tier-1 member and we are looking forward to our cooperation.”

Joining the TPRC will allow Spirit to utilize the Center’s state-of-the-art facilities and work alongside leading research universities, equipment and material suppliers in a collaborative environment. For more information on the TPRC, visit tprc.nl. For more information on Spirit’s seven distinctive capabilities, visit here.