In a step toward more autonomous and sustainable supply chains, the first flight of a helicopter with a structural component made from recycled titanium has been completed. QinetiQ, along with AMS Ltd., integrated a 3D-printed data probe hinge into a training A109S helicopter. The part comes from scrap from dismantled aircraft, demonstrating a way to reduce dependence on imports and the environmental footprint.
From Scrapyard to Powder: The High-Performance Recycling Process ♻️
The key technology is AMS Ltd.'s process, which transforms aerospace-grade titanium scrap into powder ready for additive manufacturing. This method achieves a 97% material utilization rate, minimizing waste. According to the data, this cycle reduces CO2e emissions by 93.5% compared to the traditional route for obtaining virgin titanium. The resulting part, a critical hinge, meets the technical requirements for flight use.
Helicopters Flying with the Soul of Retired Airplanes ✈️
It seems reincarnation exists, but for metal. Now a training helicopter carries in its structure a piece of what was once a retired airplane. It's the dream of any metallic ecologist: die as a wing, and be reborn as a crucial hinge. A way for aviation veterans to keep flying, even in the form of smart powder and in a much smaller part. Almost a poetic act of recycling, with flight certification.