Aerodynamic and light, the Airbus A330neo nacelles contribute to both the aircraft and propulsion system performance. They also enable engine noise reduction and perform a braking function on landing. A 24/7 after-sales service is available to support the Airbus A330 nacelles.

A cutting-edge technology nacelle

Nozzle Center - Drilling and sanding of A380 titanium nozzle

Lighter metal alloys

Safran Nacelles has expertise in exhaust systems, from design to manufacturing. They contribute to the thrust of the aircraft by channeling the engine-generated hot airflow and by ensuring the continuity of cold air exiting the nacelle. They are designed in very fine metallic alloys -0.016 to 0.0.6 inch thick (0.4 to 1.5mm thick)- that lightens the mass, are corrosion-resistant and support extreme temperatures in excess of 600°C/1,112°F.

New assembly line dedicated to A330neo thrust reversers and omniMove, transport platform for heavy loads (Kuka)

Integrated industrial organization

Safran Nacelles set up an operational management led by developments and an industrial organization that continuously seeks efficiency through the automation of some of its activities - drilling/riveting for assembly, painting for integration, acoustic drilling of composite parts, semi-automated handling equipment, etc. All nacelle components - air inlet, fan cowl, thrust reverser, nozzle and Engine Build Up - are assembled on the engine at Safran Nacelles’ integration site in Toulouse (France). There, the nacelles are also painted in airline livery before they are delivered to the Airbus Final Assembly Line (FAL).

Virtual reality, the A330neo nacelle industrialization booster

48 months: the time planned for the A330neo development, i.e. 12 months less than a standard program. Safran Nacelles used virtual reality to manage this time challenge, whilst remaining competitive and improving working conditions for the teams. This technology enables the users, equipped with dynamic 3D glasses, to immerse themselves in a real size virtual environment and to interact with it. Virtual reality enables the rapid validation of new manufacturing and assembly methods, the design of ergonomic tools, and the effective training of operators. Industrial milestone validation times are halved, and tooling budgets reduced by 10%.

The thrust reverser as a braking mechanism on landing

The A330neo nacelles are equipped with cascade thrust reversers. Panels inside the nacelles open when activated by the pilot, to redirect the cold airflow towards the front, thus generating the counterthrust which assists with braking on landing. The thrust reversers ensure braking of the plane, especially on short, wet, snowy or icy landing strips.

Safran Nacelles has expertise in the assembly of aerostructures such as thrust reversers. The company has control over all the parts assembly processes: they are positioned meticulously, adjusted to the structure using shimming, drilling, milling, countersinking, bonding and riveting.

Installation of honeycomb on the thrust reverser of the A330neo nacelle

Composites for lighter mass

Composite materials make up more than 60% of the A330neo nacelle, their use reducing the mass of the nacelle. Safran Nacelles holds a unique expertise in large composite parts, up to 12m², with complex shapes (omega shaped) and with varying thicknesses.

Acoustic treatments to reduce engine noise

Honeycomb acoustic treatment is applied in strategic areas of the A330neo nacelle composite panels. Many thousands of holes are drilled in the composite skin so that the noise can disperse and be captured in the honeycomb core. This process significantly reduces the engine noise. Safran Nacelles holds a unique expertise in engine environment acoustic technology.

Painting, nacelle integration on the engine and final assembly line support

All nacelle components (air inlet, fan cowl, thrust reverser, nozzle and EBU*) are assembled on the engine at Safran Nacelles’ integration site in Toulouse (France). This is where the final adjustment operations between the nacelle, the engine and the mast that will connect the propulsion system under the aircraft wing are carried out, as well as the painting in airline livery. The airlines then take delivery of the propulsion systems before they are installed at the Airbus Final Assembly Line (FAL) where support is provided by Safran Nacelles’ teams.

*EBU: Engine Build Up, regroups several items: electric harnesses, pipes, circulation valves, air inlet anti-icing system, electric feed, etc.

Safran Nacelles delivers its 1st A330neo nacelle to TAP Air Portugal

Airbus has delivered its first A330neo to the Portuguese company TAP

Illustrations

Nacelle A330neo

A330neo

NacelleLife™, a comprehensive service offer

NacelleLife™ provides a large range of services adapted to the operators’ specific needs and covers the entire life of the aircraft, from entry into service preparation to operational retirement.
Objective: maximization of availability and minimization of maintenance costs at every step.