Aircelle builds first components for its engine nacelles to equip Airbus A320neo jetliners

The production of Aircelle (Safran) engine nacelles for Airbus A320neo jetliners has become a reality with the manufacture of initial full-scale thrust reverser components using concurrent engineering, rapid prototyping and lean manufacturing techniques. Aircelle’s first-build components include the thrust reverser’s forward frame and structural beams, its inner fixed structure and aft extension, along with the aft core cowl. They represent a major percentage of the thrust reverser’s structural framework – which becomes an important portion of the overall engine nacelle. The elements were produced with composite and metallic materials, applying the same manufacturing process that Aircelle will employ in its series production of the A320neo nacelles – including automated composite lay-up. They subsequently were assembled at the company’s Le Havre, France facility, enabling a one-to-one assessment of their integration, along with a confirmation of the ergonomic aspects for production line build-up.