Story ID: 350
Liebherr Highlights Aircraft Systems Innovation 
By: Charles Alcock
Caption: Folding wingtips for Boeing 777X is one of several innovations on display at Paris Air Show
Word Count: 362
European aerospace group Liebherr is at the Paris Air Show demonstrating the latest examples of its decarbonization and digitization innovation across a wide array of aircraft systems. The company’s exhibit showcases breakthroughs in flight and environmental controls, thermal management and actuation systems, power electronics, and landing gear.
Arguably, the most eye-catching element on display is the folding wingtip that Liebherr’s engineers have developed for Boeing’s 777X widebody airliner to ensure that it can fit in and around crowded airport gates. The moving, sub-scale mockup on display this week demonstrates how the 777X’s long wingspan can be temporarily reduced for operational flexibility, and the group has been working on designs for thinner, longer wings that it says can reduce fuel burn.
Liebherr has also been focused on advances in complex aircraft mechanisms including angle gearboxes, power drive units, and multiple actuators. Building on its experience with medium- and large-size commercial airliners, the company has been giving more attention to developing smaller electro-mechanical actuators for new electric aircraft emerging from the advanced air mobility sector.
A major focus of the group’s research and development investment is on the pursuit of the more-electric aircraft concept in which engines can be decoupled from onboard systems consuming power for increased energy efficiency. Innovation is leading to electric power replacing bleed air and hydraulic systems to support the use of electric air management and actuation systems, as well as decentralized hydraulic power.
Demonstrating breakthroughs in 3D printing of aircraft components, Liebherr is exhibiting a complex valve for the lower cabin door actuation system of an Airbus A350 made with additive manufacturing. Also on show is an additive-manufactured air-liquid heat exchanger.
In addition to its own stand, Liebherr is featured in the Paris Air Lab exhibit to recognize its innovations in hydrogen fuel cell-based electrical power and a production assembly station equipped with a visual operator assistance system and a connected bolt torquing tool.
The group is actively recruiting new talent and so is participating in the L’Avion des Métiers (Careers Plane) exhibit in the Concorde Hall.