Boeing and Japan's Ube Industries to develop lightweight aircraft composites

Tokyo: Japanese chemical producer, Ube Industries Ltd, announced Tuesday it will partner Boeing Co. in the development of composite materials designed to help reduce aircraft weight. The JV will try and create composite materials from carbon fibres and heat-resistant polyimides for use in airframe structures close to engines.

It is intended to create composites that will be about two-thirds lighter in weight than titanium and other materials currently used and also feature improved resistance to high temperatures.

The joint venture is will remain in force till July 2010 and may be extended if so desired by both parties.

While Boeing will determine and evaluate the materials, Ube Industries will conduct development and testing.

It is yet to be decided which airplanes will likely use the materials.

Ube Industries is one of Japan's top chemical companies and over the years has created many high-performance, advanced materials.