The Multi-Functional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD), the result of collaboration between Fidamc and its partners in the framework of the European Clean Sky 2 program, has been awarded the prestigious JEC Innovation Award 2025 in the “Aerospace Parts” category. This award, recognized as the most important in the composite materials sector, celebrates excellence in innovation and collaboration within the industry. For Fidamc and its partners, receiving this award represents recognition of the effort, creativity and technical excellence achieved in the development of the MFFD.
The MFFD is a full-scale demonstrator of a typical single-aisle commercial aircraft fuselage section made entirely of thermoplastic composite materials. This innovative project, with its imposing dimensions of 8 meters by 4 meters, marks a before and after in the aeronautics industry. For the first time, a research and technology platform of this size has been built using exclusively thermoplastic composites, opening up new opportunities for the mass production of more sustainable and efficient commercial airframes.
A project that redefines technological limits
The development of the MFFD was made possible by a Clean Sky 2-funded consortium of 12 European organizations led by Airbus. During the project, more than 40 different technologies were researched and developed, all focused on optimizing the design, manufacture and assembly of composite airframes. From process automation to thermoplastic welding of subcomponents, each step was designed to maximize efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Key benefits of the MFFD include:
- Lower CO2 emissions: Thanks to the weight reduction offered by thermoplastic composite materials, a significant reduction in fuel consumption is achieved.
- Dust-free joining: The use of thermoplastic welding eliminates the need for rivets, simplifying assembly and reducing auxiliary material.
- Faster production speed: Process automation enables faster manufacturing, crucial for large-scale production.
- Pre-fitted modules: The modular design of the airframe facilitates its integration into assembly lines, optimizing the production line.
Fidamc's role in the project
Within this ambitious project, Fidamc manufactured two representative components to demonstrate the feasibility of using In Situ Consolidation (ISC) and thermoplastic materials in airframe manufacturing. ISC is the process used in thermoplastic technology to consolidate parts during manufacturing. These components were intended for mechanical testing to validate the technologies developed. The two demos manufactured by Fidamc will be on display at JEC World 2025, to be held March 4-6 in Paris.
The prestige of JEC Innovation Awards
The JEC Innovation Awards are considered the most relevant awards within the composites industry, a sort of “Oscar” of the sector. There are eleven categories and since their creation 27 years ago, these awards have recognized outstanding achievements in innovation, collaboration and technological development. To determine the winners, an international jury evaluates criteria such as technical complexity, commercial impact and the integration of partners throughout the value chain.
The award given to MFFD highlights not only the potential of the project, but also the international collaboration that made it possible. The success of the Airbus-led team, in which Fidamc played a key role, highlights the European industry's ability to tackle complex challenges and lay the foundations for more sustainable aviation.
With this award, Fidamc reaffirms its commitment to innovation and sustainability, consolidating its position as a benchmark in the development of advanced technologies for the aerospace sector.
It is also worth highlighting the role of the Community of Madrid in achieving this success, as it is one of the main members of Fidamc's Board of Trustees. The aerospace sector is key to the competitiveness of Madrid, Spain and Europe.
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