· New aircraft have significant amounts of composite (ie non metal) parts which require sophisticated techniques for repair
· This new university position will be the first of its type in Latin America
· Demonstrates Airbus Group’s ongoing commitment to Brazil
Airbus Group will partner with Unicamp (State University of Campinas), and the French Consulate in São Paulo to create an industrial chair at the university, to investigate the Dynamic behavior of composite structures.
Within the French-Brazilian Chairs Program in the State of São Paulo, the new chair will be hosted by the department of Mechanical Engineering of Unicamp and coordinated by Professor Alberto Luiz Serpa. Dr Ana Cristina Galucio, an expert in composites at Airbus Group Innovations, has been appointed as an associate researcher of Unicamp for the program through to December, 2015. Brazilian born, Dr Galucio has been working with Airbus Group Innovations since 2006.
The chair will study the dynamic behavior of composites used in aerospace structures. This pioneering work – unique to Latin America – will stimulate research and development projects, and help qualify students and professionals in one of the most advanced areas of aeronautical technology, applicable to aircraft, helicopters and satellites.
“Airbus Group has a proven expertise in research partnerships with universities worldwide. This new chair will stimulate worthwhile projects and research, and represents our ongoing contribution to the Brazilian aerospace sector, demonstrating our commitment to the country and the long term development of its industry”, confirmed the President of Airbus Group in Brazil, Bruno Gallard.
Helibras, the Brazilian subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, is also supporting this initiative to develop new technologies for the manufacture of helicopters. “Supporting this project together with the Group is an important step for Helibras. These technologies could be applied to both rotary and fixed wing aircraft”, explained the President of Helibras, Eduardo Marson Ferreira.
This chair is carried out by Airbus Group Innovations, arm of the Group responsible for developing partnerships with world-famous schools, universities and research centers. Airbus Group Innovations has the duty to support the development of divisions wherever they are and this French-Brazilian chair at Unicamp demonstrates it for Brazil today with Helibras and Airbus Defense & Space Divisions.
About Airbus Group
Airbus Group is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2014, the Group – comprising Airbus, Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters – generated revenues of € 60.7 billion and employed a workforce of over 138,000.
