TAPAS is a research collaboration project between Airbus and the Dutch industry. It aims to develop Thermoplastic Affordable Primary Aircraft Structures, for future aircraft structures . The Dutch companies and technology institutes  are Fokker, Ten Cate Advanced Composites, Airborne, KVE Composite Group, Dutch Thermoplastic Components, Technobis, TU Delft, UTwente and NLR. The total budget for this research program is more than 13 million Euro, 50% of which is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Thermoplastic composites have been used in the aviation industry for a while already, however very limited in primary load carrying aircraft structures. Thermoplastic composites are characterised by short cycle times, low production costs, better corrosion resistance, good possibilities for recycling and a higher toughness resulting in products of a lower weight.  The application of these new generation aircraft materials in primary load carrying aircraft structures therefore makes aircraft lighter, stronger, safer, cheaper and more cost efficient. Airbus has indicated that it sees the production and the use of thermoplastic composites as an important development for new aircraft programmes. 

We, togehter with the other Dutch parties, can help Airbus with developing this new technology based on our expertise and technology leadership. This collaboration project proves that the Netherlands are internationally recognised for being at the forefront of thermoplastic composite technology.

For us at the Airborne Technology Center, the focus will be on automated production processes to manufacture thermoplastic composite parts, based on our proprietary in-situ consolidation process. Fibre steering will be used to achieve optimal structural performance. The products can be either directly used as is, or as tailored blanks for subsequent process such as press-forming, co-consilidation and welding. We have designed and build the first thermoplastic fibre placement system, and have supplied blanks to DTC for press forming and to Fokker for co-consoildation of their butt-joint stiffener concept.

For more information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , CTO and Managing Director of the Airborne Technology Centre.