Syensqo materials selected for NOEMI electric seaplane

NOEMI Aerospace has selected Syensqo as a materials partner for an all-electric amphibious aircraft intended to carry nine passengers and operate from both water and conventional runways. The aircraft is being developed with the ambition of becoming the world's first certified fully electric amphibious seaplane. Its planned applications include regional passenger transport, cargo operations, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. The amphibious configuration is intended to provide access to routes and communities where conventional aviation infrastructure may be limited.

The aircraft is designed for operation in demanding coastal and marine environments, where structural integrity, low weight and durability are important requirements. According to the companies, the material selection is intended to combine high structural performance with the processing flexibility needed to manufacture large composite components. These requirements are particularly relevant to an electric aircraft, as structural weight affects the performance targets of the propulsion system and the overall aircraft.

Prepreg and adhesive for the airframe and wing

Under the agreement, NOEMI Aerospace will use Syensqo's MTM 45-1 carbon fibre prepreg in the aircraft's airframe. The company will also apply AeroPaste structural paste adhesive to assemble the wing. The materials are intended to support the manufacture of lightweight, high-performance structures as the aircraft development programme progresses towards certification.

NOEMI plans to manufacture the wing skins and spars as a single 21-metre span. This production concept requires a material suitable for out-of-autoclave processing while meeting the structural requirements of a primary aircraft structure.

"We wanted to manufacture the wing skins and spars in a 21-meter single span, so we needed an out-of-autoclave material with proven performance. With Syensqo's MTM 45-1, a primary structure capable material with FAA approval and independently verified NCAMP data. We have a solution that will support our certification approach while helping us achieve the low structural weight required for our first prototype aircraft. We will also use Syensqo's AeroPaste structural adhesive to bond the wing components and achieve the performance we need," said Simon Bendrey, Chief Engineer at NOEMI Aerospace.

Materials support for aircraft certification

The use of a prepreg with FAA approval and independently verified NCAMP data forms part of NOEMI Aerospace's certification approach. Syensqo will provide materials expertise and technical support during the aircraft development programme.

"We are proud that NOEMI Aerospace has selected Syensqo as an advanced materials partner for this pioneering program. Their choice reflects the performance and aerospace heritage of our composite materials, and we look forward to combining our materials expertise and technical support with NOEMI's ambitious approach to electric aviation," said Gerald Perrin, EMEA Sales Director at Syensqo Composite Materials.

The collaboration concerns the use of lightweight composite materials and adhesives in next-generation aerospace and advanced air mobility applications. The selected products are intended to provide structural efficiency and manufacturing flexibility while supporting the development of a new amphibious aircraft architecture.