Causeway Aero Group has developed unique lightweight Semi-Flexible Laminate (SFL) panels for aircraft interiors that provide improved levels of thermal protection, allowing bulky insulating blankets to be removed. In some applications, there could be up to a 25% weight saving. As they could be fitted closer to the aircraft inner skin, there may also be a modest increase in cabin dimensions.
The SFL panels have a vac-formed core with laminates on either side. The cabin side can be decorated to suit customer requirements and, with an anti-bacterial coating, would be ideal for air ambulances.
Causeway also sees a market for the technology in smaller passenger aircraft, military transport aircraft and helicopters.
Launch customer is Britten-Norman and Causeway is actively working to design and produce a new modern interior for the BN-2 Islander, including sidewalls, ceiling and cockpit area. The nine-seat aircraft has been in production since 1967 and continues to sell, particularly to remote areas where its impressive performance allows it to operate from very short and basic airstrips.
The new interior can be installed during production or during a retrofit under a minor STC.