Ultra-lightweight Star-Quad data cable from Draka Fileca for the aviation industry wins third prize …

Photo: DuPont/Draka Fileca<br> For the insulation of its new Star-Quad data cable KL24 for the aviation industry, Draka Fileca uses a fluoroplastic foam type instead of a conventional fluoroplastic. This allows weight savings of up to 25 percent – with the same diameter and identical transmission properties.<br>

The new Star-Quad data cable KL24 from Draka Fileca, Sainte-Geneviève/France, for the aviation industry is up to 25 percent lighter than previously used quad cables – with the same diameter and identical transmission properties.

This has been made possible by modifying the design and using a fluoroplastic foam for the insulation. It not only helps to reduce fuel consumption in aircraft, it also lowers their environmental impact.

For this development, Draka Fileca – which is part of the Prysmian Group – took third place in the DuPont Plunkett Awards in the EMEA Region. The Plunkett Awards 2013 coincide with the 75th anniversary of the discovery of PTFE by DuPont scientist Dr. Roy Plunkett, and reward outstanding technical developments in the field of fluoroplastics. The presentation of the sculpture and the prize money of 2,500 US dollars was made by Agnès Ibos, Account Manager France at DuPont Chemicals & Fluoroproducts (CF&F), to Charles Boullot, R&D Project Leader at Draka Fileca.

For its new long-range aircraft A350, Airbus charged Draka Fileca with the development of a cable for digital data transmission. The cable not only had to enable high transmission rates but also had to be much lighter than the previously used KD24 type. Charles Boullot explains: “The challenge with developing this cable was to lower the weight without reducing the diameter, because one of the customer’s specifications was compatibility with existing contacts, connectors and tools. That is why we decided to use a fluoroplastic foam type for the insulation instead of a conventional fluoroplastic.” The type that was finally used was DuPont™ Teflon® FFR 770, which belongs to a family of new foam grades based on DuPont’s patented Airquick technology. These products are suitable for the production of lightweight high-performance cables for high-frequency signal transmission in a wide temperature range and with minimal signal distortion.

The new Star-Quad data cable KL24 from Draka Fileca complies with the requirements of EN 3375-011 for electric cables for digital data transmission in the aerospace industry. It has the same transmission properties as the previously used KD24 quad cable, but is up to 25 percent lighter. It will initially be used in the new long-range Airbus A350, and there are plans in the near future to extend it to the A380 and all other Airbus platforms.

By replacing the existing data transmission cable with the new KL24 from Draka Fileca, the weight of an Airbus A380 can be lowered by as much as 85 kg. According to calculations by the French Aerospace Industries Association GIFAS, an aircraft will thus use 510 t less fuel over its lifetime, and produce 1,700 t less greenhouse gases.

Draka Fileca, part of the Prysmian Group, has a rich heritage in delivering dedicated wires and cables for the aerospace industry. Founded more than 50 years ago, the company rapidly became a European leader for aerospace wires and cables. Since the early 70s and the Concorde program, Draka Fileca has produced, with the most innovative technologies, wires and cables for both civil, military aviation and space. Draka Fileca develops, manufactures and sells a full range of wires and cables to the aircraft and helicopter manufacturers all over the world, from airframe wires (copper or aluminium based) to data-transmission cables (copper or optical fiber). Thanks to the expertise and the know-how of their 180 employees, Draka Fileca has received during the last couple of years important distinctions from companies like Fokker, Labinal or Airbus, which gave them the award of the best supplier in 2012. Those awards recognize the excellence of the high quality and service level that Draka Fileca offers to all its customers.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.

The DuPont Oval logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™ and all products denoted with ® or ™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.

Note to the editor:
This press release is based on information provided by
Prysmian Group/Draka Fileca
Charles Boullot
Phone: +33 (0)3 44 08 21 70
E-mail: charles.boullot@prysmiangroup.com

Kontakt:
DuPont de Nemours (Deutschland) GmbH
Horst Ulrich Reimer
Public Relations Manager Europe, Middle East, Africa
Performance Chemicals & Fluoroproducts
Tel.: +49 (0) 6102 18-1297
horst-ulrich.reimer@dupont.com

Media Contact

Horst Ulrich Reimer DuPont

More Information:

http://www.dupont.com

All latest news from the category: Awards Funding

Back to home

Comments (0)

Write a comment

Newest articles

Acetylation: a Time-Keeper of glucocorticoid Sensitivity

Understanding the regulatory mechanism paves the way to enhance the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory therapies and to develop strategies to counteract the negative effects of stress- and age-related cortisol excess. The…

Mini satellite wants to take quantum communication to space

Researchers from Jena, Würzburg and Potsdam have successfully developed a design for the smallest system of its kind so far to take highly secure quantum communication to space: Led by…

Results for control of pollutants in water

Brazilian scientists tested a simple and sustainable method for monitoring and degrading a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, compounds present in fossil fuels and industrial waste. An article published in the journal Catalysis…

Partners & Sponsors