Expert: Ray Wilkinson - 12/21/2006

Question
Hi
I recently read that that part of the delay of the A380 is due to the switch from copper to Aluminium wire(electrical).
I was astounded. My knee-jerk reaction is that this is absurd because of the problems in joining such wires, aggravated by the inherent vibratory conditions. Plus the technology is untested in airplanes??
Your insight appreciated.
Regards
Roland

Answer
Hi Roland

I've certainly not heard of using aluminium cable before the A380, but I gather the weight saving is significant - there's a lot of cable in this aircraft! I don't think joining is an issue, as all or most of the connections will be crimped - few joints are soldered because of fatigue fracture. Provided the crimps are properly supported it wouldn't be a problem.

Regarding new technology, it has to be tried sometime, and the aviation industry is very conservative for safety reasons. I assume someone has looked at this technology and decided it's mature enough. I may ask one of my contacts in Airbus and get the full SP on it. If I can find out any more I'll pass it on.

Regards

Ray