The largest single regulatory obstacle to using advanced composite materials in certified aircraft applications has been the generation of design allowables which will satisfy Regulatory agency requirements. Previously, individual airframe manufacturers generated design allowable databases as a routine part of their certification effort. However, with expensive qualification costs and timelines that can be longer than 12 months, this approach has proved unfeasible for smaller manufacturers and has often led larger manufacturers with established databases to continue to use "old" material systems.

Since 1996, FiberCote has worked closely with the FAA, Wichita State University, and NASA’s Advanced General Aviation Transport Experiments (AGATE) program to develop a method for composite materials suppliers to generate design allowable databases and share them with airframe manufacturers. As a result, FiberCote has created a set of design allowable databases that are approved by the FAA for a family of materials based on E-765 - a tough, shop-friendly, 180°F Wet service (Wet/Dry Tg = 334°F/247°F - DMA Tan ) epoxy system that cures at just 250°F. Designed specifically for critical aircraft structures and based on the latest developments in resin technology, E-765 demonstrates good toughness, outstanding fiber property translation and is suitable for vacuum bag or autoclave processing.

In addition, FiberCote has addressed Process Specifications that meet FAR 23.605 and Material Specifications that meet FAR 23.603.

Several structures are already flying with E-765. Additional detailed product and database information is available. Let us show you how you can shorten your design cycle and reduce your program costs and risks with E-765 Databases and the E-765 Materials Family.

For more information about E-765 Products and FAA Approved Databases, Contact Us.