Ducommun Incorporated today announced that it has finalized a cooperative research agreement with Airbus under which the companies will jointly develop commercial aerospace applications using Ducommun's FoamMatrix™ technology, an advanced resin-transfer molding process. The two entities will explore potential uses for flight surfaces under the terms of the agreement, which was finalized at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France.

“This agreement with Airbus is an important step in Ducommun's strategy to deliver new and innovative solutions for our customers within the commercial aerospace industry”

Ducommun's FoamMatrix technology is a unique process that utilizes proprietary materials; the process offers weight and cost savings while producing a high-strength end product.

“This agreement with Airbus is an important step in Ducommun's strategy to deliver new and innovative solutions for our customers within the commercial aerospace industry,” said Anthony J. Reardon, chairman and chief executive officer. “We are excited to work together to develop advanced applications using FoamMatrix, which we believe offers inherent value due to its weight and net shape characteristics – resulting in lightweight aircraft structures without compromising strength or increasing cost.”

Francois Mery, senior vice president of aerostructures procurement for Airbus, added, “The cooperative research agreement with Ducommun will allow us to explore the full potential of FoamMatrix, which we feel is a remarkable innovation that aligns with Airbus' commitment to reducing environmental impact and bringing cost and performance benefits to the airline industry as well as to the traveling public at large.”