Advanced Air Mobility

AAM is a rapidly developing industry, providing safe and efficient forms of air transportation that cover everything from package delivery drones to passenger-carrying air taxis. Hybrid-electric or all-electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing vehicles are likely to dominate AAM operations over cities as they are relatively quiet and emit less, or even zero, emissions while running. AAM will revolutionize the way we travel, reducing the need for individually owned cars, cutting down on traffic. This will benefit the environment, not only because of the green energy used, but also indirectly through the impact it has on infrastructure.

An experienced partner for developing new technology

Trelleborg has decades of experience in sealing, damping and protection for aerospace and industrial applications. Our expertise allows us to create tailored solutions for a wide range of customer requirements, making us an ideal partner when developing AAM vehicles. Though sometimes perceived as ‘just’ a flying car, these vehicles face several challenges and must fly safely in all kinds of weather.

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Aerospace has a portfolio of products and materials optimized to work in severe weather and extreme temperatures. They display outstanding resistance and are able to withstand harsh chemicals such as de-icing fluids. Our extensive expertise in aerospace speeds up product development and helps to support our customers with certification requirements.

Airframe and Structures

Door and Window Seals

Door and window seals are designed and made to specification for each individual application, meeting all necessary requirements.

Features

High flexibility
Corrugated surfaces can be added to increase sealing
Can be inflated to increase sealing force
Fixed with glue or mechanical retention

Composite Panels

Using a true Out-of-Autoclave (OOA) process, we bring additive manufacturing to continuous-fiber thermoplastic composite parts, such as drive shafts, saving weight and improving reliability in today’s most demanding engineering environments.

Features

Weight savings
High Strength
Damage tolerant
Recyclable

Bellows and Gaiters

We can design bellows or boots to protect movable joints based on a specification or built-to-print.

Features

Designs optimized by FEA for long life
Silicone for high weather resistance
Wide temperature range

Airframe Seals

Airframe seals cover a broad family of products, individually developed and manufactured for static or semi-static applications.

Features

Low friction
High abrasion resistance
High flexibility and form stability as required
Nonstick surfaces
High weather resistance
Wide temperature range

EMI/RFI Seals

Trelleborg provides a range of products that protect systems from EMI/RFI on aircraft and other vehicles.

Features

PTFE with high or low electric resistance
Conductive elastomers

Extruded Tubes and Profiles

Tubing and hose products for AAM systems can be made in a multitude of shapes and materials depending on the requirements.

Features

Silicone, PTFE and PVC material options
Fabric reinforcement when needed

Propulsion

With extensive experience in supplying main mast rotor seals for numerous helicopter platforms and a diverse array of rotary seals for gearboxes, fuel pumps, and electric motor shafts, we can find the perfect solution for any rotary application. Our composite manufacturing technology is perfectly suited for producing lightweight and robust drive shafts, panels, and other rotor components.

Polymer Bearings

Typical applications for our HiMod® and Orkot® materials are bearings, sleeves, flanges and wear pads.

Features

High load and wear resistance
Weight reductions
Increased service life
Very low friction characteristics
High chemical compatibility

V-Ring®

The V-Ring® is an all-rubber lip seal for rotary applications, primarily used to prevent dirt, dust and water from entering rotating equipment.

Features

Highly flexible sealing lip
Reduces friction to near zero as speed increases
Effective exclusion of water and dust

Excluder®

For rotary shafts operating in severe and dusty environments, the Turcon® Variseal® scraper is ideal.

Features

Wide temperature range
Proven exclusion function
Allows high shaft deflection
Spring cavity can be silicone filled for increased protection against gravel

Propeller Components

Using a true Out-of-Autoclave (OOA) process, we bring additive manufacturing to continuous-fiber thermoplastic composite parts, such as drive shafts, saving weight and improving reliability in today’s most demanding engineering environments.

Features

Weight savings
High strength
Damage tolerant

Gearbox Seals

For rotary applications, HiSpin® HS40 withstands high speeds and wide temperature variations, and is compatible with aggressive synthetic transmission oils. It can be used at speeds of up to 40 m/s/XX ft/s and adapts to the eccentricity of the shaft.

Features

Extra-low temperature FKM material
Easy installation
Compensates for high eccentricity of the shaft

eMotor Seals

Originally developed for automotive e-Mobility applications, HiSpin® PDR RT meets requirements for high speeds and wide temperature ranges.

Features

Up to 60 m/s/XX ft/s shaft speeds
Dry running capability
Very low friction

Actuation of Engine Tilt

With over 60 years of experience, Trelleborg Aerospace offers industry-leading sealing systems for hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric actuators, landing gear applications and polymer and composite bearings for swivels. Alongside our extensive product portfolio, Trelleborg engineers draw on in-house expertise in the fields of automotive and off-highway vehicles to develop reliable, long-lasting and cost-effective solutions to meet customer needs.

Composite Shafts and Components

Using a true Out-of-Autoclave (OOA) process, we bring additive manufacturing to continuous-fiber thermoplastic composite parts, such as drive shafts, saving weight and improving reliability in today’s most demanding engineering environments.

Features

Weight savings
High strength
Damage tolerant

Cabin and Interiors

We provide components for both functional and aesthetic applications, such as storage bins, light fittings, and Passenger Service Units (PSUs). We can produce nearly any polymeric interior product, including extrusions for seat tracks, rub strips and gap seals. A range of CFR/CS 25.853 materials and processes are available with a holistic approach to design and manufacturing.

Actuation of Doors

With over 60 years of experience, Trelleborg Aerospace offers industry-leading sealing systems for hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric actuators, landing gear applications and polymer and composite bearings for swivels. Alongside our extensive product portfolio, Trelleborg engineers draw on in-house expertise in the fields of automotive and off-highway vehicles to develop reliable, long-lasting and cost-effective solutions to meet customer needs.

Air Distribution: Air Nozzles/Bezels

Air nozzles and bezels need to be durable and match the interior style of the aircraft.

Features

Compliant with fire testing requirements, including FAR 25.853
Molded thermoplastics

Air Conditioning: Diaphragms

Diaphragms help smooth cabin pressure variations, which is essential for a pleasant flight experience.

Features

Low hysteresis
Multicomponent designs
Non-toxic and anti-fungal materials

Seating: Foam Linings

Seat cushions with damping characteristics can help protect the passengers during unintentionally hard landings. A wide range of foams are available.

Features

Lightweight
Form stable
Specific damping characteristics

Extruded Profiles

Extruded profiles are used throughout the interior of the aircraft to cover gaps and protect corners and joints, improving aesthetics and passenger safety.

Features

High wear and impact resistance
Available in TPU, PVC, PEI, PC, silicone and EPDM sponge
Color matching
Compliance with smoke and toxicity regulations

Panel and Details: Injection Molded Products

Our designs and manufactured engineered products for panels and interior applications from PTFE, PEEK and PU materials, thermoplastics and thermoset composite materials.

Features

PTFE, PEEK and PU materials, thermoplastics and thermoset composite materials options
Color matching to interiors style

Storage Bins: Bearings and Wear Pads

Overhead bins are in constant use and often carry more weight than they are designed for. Our wear pads and bearings meet these requirements and provide long service life.

Features

Lightweight
Low friction
No need for lubrication
Noiseless

Energy Systems and Management

To support the reliable function of high-performance electrical systems, Trelleborg provides solutions that efficiently shield and protect from multiple environmental factors. Our knowledge and expertise are applied to designing and manufacturing seals and components that provide electromagnetic shielding and spark resistance.

Heat Exchangers and Fuel Cell Seals

Plate heat exchanger gaskets can be supplied either as individual seals or molded onto the components themselves.

Features

Seal materials to match working conditions
Rapid prototyping

Wire and Pipe Clamps

We supply both clamps and sleeves to protect and insulate cables and wiring harnesses.

Features

Elastomeric and PTFE-covered glass braided sleeves
High resistance against vibrations
Compatibility with all typical aircraft fluids
Wide temperature range (-200 °C to +300 °C/-XXX °F to +XXX °F)

Air Management and Cooling Systems

Trelleborg can provide sealing solutions to aid with thermal management. These seals are used to prevent air from escaping the ducts used in numerous applications, such as bleed valves, anti-icing systems, and air conditioning systems.

Features

Turcon® material compatible with all media
Temperature range -200 °C to +300 °C/-XXX °F to +XXX °F
Highly flexible design allows for thermal movements and vibrations

Gaskets

Trelleborg supplies a full range of gaskets.

Features

Build-to-print or to specification
Elastomer gaskets
HMF FlatSealTM flat gaskets
Rapid prototyping
Wide temperature range (-200 °C to +300 °C/-XXX °F to +XXX °F)

Battery Seals

High-voltage batteries are the heart of eMobility applications and require special protection. Trelleborg offers custom solutions, regardless of the cover and battery housing geometry involved.

Features

Easy assembly
Simplified disassembly feature
Compatible with battery media
Wide temperature range

Multigate Grommets

Designed to meet our customers’ specific needs, multigate grommets allow safe passage of cables and wires through bulkheads and into boxes.

Features

Custom designs
Compatible with water and typical aircraft fluids

Resources

Watch the Webinar Recording

Polymer Solutions for Advanced Air Mobility Applications

AAM is a rapidly developing industry. Trelleborg has decades of experience in sealing, damping and protection for aerospace and industrial applications. Our expertise allows us to create tailored solutions for a wide range of customer requirements, making us an ideal partner when developing AAM vehicles.