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[June 2004]
Toray Reaches Multi-Billion Dollar Agreement on Composites with Boeing
Leading Japanese advanced materials company Toray Industries Inc has an agreement with Boeing Inc for the supply of carbon fibre composite material to be used in the primary structural elements of the B7E7 Dreamliner, a next-generation, medium sized aircraft scheduled to enter service in 2008. Based on the agreement, Toray is to supply carbon fibre composite materials to Boeing from 2004 through to 2021.
The total value of the supply is estimated to reach approximately US$3 billion. This figure will increase still further if another composite material gets approval from Boeing. This supply agreement is for carbon fibre prepreg, a sheet made from epoxy resin pregnated in carbon fibre and Toray has been selected as the sole supplier of carbon fibre reinforced plastics for the primary structures of the B7E7.
The B7E7, which is being described as an 'all composite airplane', is undergoing development with the aims of improved fuel efficiency and extended flight range through weight reduction. Energy saving through incorporation of a lighter fuselage is the most important factor and the B7E7 fuselage is expected to make extensive use of lightweight, strong and durable advanced composite materials.
'TORAYCA' prepreg, which is a combination of Toray-developed high-strengthened carbon fibre TORAYCA and toughened epoxy resin, has been used for the primary structural areas of the B777 empennage and floor beams. Boeing has selected Toray's advanced composite materials for almost all primary structural parts of the B7E7, including wing and fuselage. Accordingly, in comparison with existing aircraft, the B7E7 will incorporate a substantially increased quantity of carbon fibre composite materials.
ENDS