Magnesium Elektron, England, announces the first use of its proprietary Elektro 43 alloy in aviation seating. Zim Flugsitz GmbH, a German manufacturer of seating for the aerospace industry, is now producing seats with major structural components made from Elektron 43. The new seats will provide a significant weight reduction compared to aluminum alloys, while retaining strength and ductility. The first new seats are scheduled to enter service later in 2014 in a low-volume non-commercial aviation platform.
“The use of our Elektron 43 magnesium alloy has enabled Zim Flugsitz to surpass their weight-reduction targets and improve the fuel efficiency and endurance in this new application,” says Steve Montisci, European Technical Sales Manager, Wrought Products. “This project is an important step and will demonstrate the benefits that Elektron magnesium alloys can bring to future lightweighting strategies for commercial aircraft designers and operators.”
Magnesium Elektron alloys have been widely used in military aircraft for many years, as well as in critical engine components for civil aircraft. During the past decade, Magnesium Elektron has been working with regulatory agencies, aircraft manufacturers, and seat manufacturers around the world to gain acceptance for magnesium in civil aircraft interiors, including changing provisions of SAE standard AS8049 so that magnesium can be approved for commercial aircraft with 20 seats or more.
In June 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced: “With the results of the Magnesium Full Scale Testing and the progress demonstrated in the development of the lab scale test method, the FAA would now allow magnesium in aircraft seats, providing the requirements and conditions as set out in the Special Conditions are satisfied.”
The FAA, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the aircraft industry continue their work to finalize the framework of the Special Conditions route for commercial aircraft applications.
