Spirit AeroSystems installing one of the world's largest autoclaves for composite manufacturing

autoclave has a 30ft diameter and an internal volume of more than 78,000ft³.

Terry George, Spirit's vice president of the 787 program said: "Spirit continues to invest in our composite manufacturing capability and this latest expansion will help us meet record demand for the products we build. Spirit's capabilities in composites are unmatched, and we are looking forward to continuing to meet our customer's composite manufacturing needs."

The autoclave, which is 120ft long, is one of nearly 40 at Spirit's Wichita location. The addition is part of a 94,000ft² expansion to Spirit's Composite Fuselage Facility, where the company makes the carbon fibre nose section for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.

www.spiritaero.com