Abstract: A fibre-reinforced composite structure includes a cut edge; an elastomeric cap covering the cut edge; and an adhesive sealant bonding the elastomeric cap to the cut edge. The fibre-reinforced composite structure is joined to a component and the elastomeric cap includes a generally Z or L-shaped cap with a web bonded to the cut edge of the fibre-reinforced structure and a flange bonded to the component and extending away from the fibre-reinforced structure.

Abstract: A cable raceway comprising: a base; a pair of side walls extending from the base to define the edges of a cable channel; three or more legs extending from the base; and a flange at a distal end of each leg for attaching the leg to a support structure. The base, side walls, legs and flanges are formed from an elastomeric material. The base contains reinforcement which extends along the length of the raceway and is embedded within the elastomeric material.

Abstract: An aircraft wing assembly comprising: a spar; a fuel tank; a track container which is attached to the spar and extends into the fuel tank; a track which extends through the spar and into the track container; and a high-lift device, such as a slat or flap, carried by the track. The track container comprises a stiffening element encased in an elastomeric sheath. The track container is manufactured by placing a stiffening element and elastomeric material together in a mould; and compressing and heating them to cure and shape the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A routing clip for securing a line to a structure comprising: a base for attaching the clip to a structure; and a clamp comprising: a first flexible strap which extends from the base and has one or more projections extending from its side; and a second flexible strap which extends from the base and has a passageway for receiving the first flexible strap and a locking surface which is arranged to engage one of the projections on the first flexible strap to prevent the first flexible strap from being withdrawn from the passageway. At least part of the clip is made from an elastomeric material.

Abstract: An aircraft component with an aerodynamic surface coating comprising a resilient foam with an array of open cells infused with a cleaning material such as a gel, paste or liquid. This prevents contaminants such as insects from adhering to the aircraft component. The resilient foam stores at least part of the impact energy of the contaminant, the cleaning material is released from the deformed foam so that the cleaning material at least partially coats the contaminant, and the foam springs back to eject the coated contaminant from the aircraft component.

Abstract: A joint on an aircraft, a bonding lead for use in such a joint, and a method of manufacturing such a joint. The bonding lead comprises an elongate conductive core with a pair of end faces at the extremities of its length. The conductive core is encapsulated along at least a majority of its length and at both end faces in a barrier layer typically formed from an elastomer. The lead is encapsulated along its length in the barrier layer apart from at a first contact region towards a first end of the bonding lead and a second contact region towards a second end of the bonding lead.

Abstract: A joint on an aircraft, the joint comprising: a first component; a second component; and a bonding lead which provides an electrical pathway between the first and second components. The bonding lead comprises a conductive core and a sheath which covers a substantial length of the core and has a lower electrical conductivity than the core. The path of least electrical resistance between the first component and the core of the bonding lead comprises the sheath, typically with an electrical resistance between 50 k? and 50 M?. By making the electrical resistance of the core much smaller than that of the sheath, the total resistance of the bonding lead remains substantially the same regardless of its length.

Abstract: A joint on an aircraft, the joint comprising: a first component; a second component joined to the first component; and a bonding lead which forms an electrical connection between the components with a resistance between 100 k? and 10 M?. Surprisingly, it has been found that a bonding lead with a relatively high resistance can be used without seriously compromising the static discharge performance of the bonding lead, and that the resulting comparatively low flow of current reduces the risk of sparking in the event of an lightning strike. Bonding leads may be provided as a kit of parts in which at least two of the bonding leads have different lengths and the longer lead is formed from a material having a higher bulk conductivity than the shorter lead. Thus the bonding leads can be made with approximately similar resistances regardless of their lengths.

Abstract: A joint comprising: a first component having a face and a bore defined by a bore wall; a second component; a fastener joining the first component to the second component, the fastener comprising a head and a shaft protruding from the head; and a polysulphide gasket comprising a ring which is compressed between the head of the fastener and the face of the first component; and a collar between the shaft of the fastener and the bore wall. The gasket comprises a ring of sealing material surrounding a hole for receiving a fastener, the sealing material comprising an at least partially cured polysulphide sealant. The gasket has a region of increased thickness positioned towards the inner periphery of the ring which flows to form the collar.

Abstract: A blade seal comprising: a base; a tip; a first part formed from an elastomeric material which extends continuously from the base to the tip; and a second part formed from an elastomeric material mixed with conductive filler which extends continuously from the base to the tip. The blade seal is manufactured by compressing the first and second parts together; and curing one or both of the parts as they are compressed together.

Abstract: An aircraft leading edge panel having an outer aerodynamic surface; and an inner surface carrying the elastomeric impact protection membrane. The membrane comprises a woven or knitted fabric which is impregnated with an elastomeric material. The membrane and the panel may be bonded by an adhesive or co-cured to bond the membrane to the panel. The membrane provides impact protection to the panel by de-bonding from the face of the panel and absorbing at least part of the energy of an object impacting the panel.