QinetiQ has successfully flight tested an aircraft structural component produced using additive manufacturing and titanium recovered from a retired aircraft, demonstrating a practical route for recycling high-value aerospace metals into new operational parts. The company is held within the portfolio of Global Opportunities Trust.
The test involved a titanium hinge manufactured through metal 3D printing and installed on an air data boom assembly fitted to an Agusta A109S helicopter operated by QinetiQ’s Flight Test Organisation. The aircraft is used for flight test training and airborne measurement work, providing a platform for evaluating new hardware under real operating conditions.
The hinge forms part of the structural attachment for the helicopter’s air data boom. These booms extend forward from the aircraft and carry sensors that measure aerodynamic parameters including airspeed, pressure and angle of attack. Because the equipment gathers flight performance data, the structural integrity of the mounting components is important for safe operation.
Engineers at QinetiQ designed the hinge specifically for additive manufacturing and integrated it into the aircraft for the flight test. The titanium used to produce the part came from a decommissioned aircraft and was processed into metal powder suitable for additive manufacturing. The component was printed by Additive Manufacturing Solutions Limited using the recycled titanium feedstock.
The successful flight demonstrates that titanium recovered from retired aircraft can be reprocessed and reused to produce a structural aerospace component capable of operating in service conditions. The programme therefore provides a working example of how recycled aerospace materials can be returned to operational use through additive manufacturing.
Global Opportunities Trust plc LON:GOT) invests globally in undervalued asset classes without reference to the composition of any stock market index.
