Moscow, November 2. Russian aircraft manufacturers are ready to increase the share of domestic aluminium components in the production of advanced aircrafts if such products meet relevant quality parameters. Currently, the share of foreign components reaches 75% in value terms. This information was presented at the first working meeting of major aircraft manufacturers and aluminium companies - KraMZ, KUMZ, Arconic Russia, AMR, Avial, and UC RUSAL arranged by the Aluminium Association.
Currently, key areas for extending the aluminium application in the aviation are creating production of new alloys (aluminium-scandium and aluminium-lithium), implementing additive technologies and welding technologies for aircraft body manufacturing, and localising production of foreign components and systems. At present, members of the Aluminium Association are already implementing a few promising projects intended to extend the aluminium consumption in the aircraft industry. They include creating production of aviation chairs and containers, foil for aviation heat exchangers, and aluminium wheels for MS-21 liner.
Participants of the meeting discussed compliance of technical parameters of aluminium extrusion and sheet products supplied by Russian producers now with current requirements raised by the aviation industry. As noted by Valentin Trishchenko, Chairman of the Association: 'The aviation demands special technologies and exceptional quality throughout the cycle - from the casting area to the end product - and is a locomotive of technology development, so if we want Russian products to be competitive and demanded both in our country and abroad tomorrow, we need to meet the world's standards today.'
It was decided to update the existing legal framework with respect to products supplied for the aviation needs, as well as recommend to aircraft manufacturers to use material and components made in Russia when designing new aircrafts and purchasing new aviation components. In addition, it was decided to consider ability of aluminium companies to supply higher value-added semis, for example, cut products instead of plates.