Asco completes delivery of innovative high-lift devices

The new flaps have been developed as part of the Design and Manufacture of Krueger Flaps (DEAMAK) initiative and partially funded by the European Commission through the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking.

The venture is also linked to the global Clean Sky Smart Fixed Wing Aircraft research project, Breakthrough LAminar Demonstrator in Europe (BLADE). The aim is to assess new natural laminar flow wing sections on the modified A340-300 test aircraft.

DEAMAK is said to be a milestone in developing the high-lift devices for future aircraft. The BLADE wing has been designed to reduce drag through natural laminar flow that is expected to improve up to 6% of fuel consumption and corresponding CO₂ emissions.

Also, the parts built in CFRP are significantly lighter than traditional flaps, contributing to less weight and fuel consumption to the aircraft. The Krueger also provides additional protection to the wing by providing an efficient shield against insects, hail and dirt particles.

Additionally, due to its closed multi-cell structure produced in one shot, the DEAMAK Krueger flaps require very few assembly operations, which is a key benefit for future potential high rate production.

Brieuc Spindler, CTO of the Asco Group said: “This project adds to the experience of Asco composites manufacturing facility in Belgium and contributes to our mission of developing state-of-the-art solutions in high-lift devices. ASCO’s strategy is centred on offering a complete, environmental-friendly, cost effective and safe solution to its customers and the DEAMAK Krueger flap project embraces all these objectives.”

www.asco.be