Prestwick-based Spirit AeroSystems is to work on a number of technology projects as part of the Airbus Wing of Tomorrow programme (www.spiritaero.com).

It will develop solutions essential for the fabrication and assembly of leading edges, wing boxes and lower wing covers.

Sean Black, Spirit vice-president (research and technology), said: “Spirit is leveraging its full suite of distinctive capabilities to tackle the challenge of improving product performance while lowering cost and compressing technology and product development cycles.

To accomplish this feat, the projects rely heavily on modelling and simulation at all stages of the design-build process.”

On one of the projects, Spirit is using the latest composite resin-flow simulation tools to infuse a 7m lower wing cover — short-circuiting the trial-and-error approach typical for extremely complex resin infusion processes.

The company continues to leverage and enhance its patented Intelligent Resin Infusion System to develop lower-cost higher-performance structures.

Mr Black added: “These projects are not just about composite infusion technology.

“Using digital design and manufacturing approaches, we are developing the product in parallel with the production system.

“In collaboration with the Bristol-based National Composites Centre and the Advanced Forming Research Centre in Strathclyde, we are also developing highly automated fabrication and inspection technologies.

“In addition, we are implementing significant advances in fabrication and assembly tooling technologies.”