Thompson Aero Seating announces world-class dynamic test facility

Thompson Aero Seating announced plans to create a DTF in Northern Ireland. This is a £7.5 million investment in a facility that will catapult Thompson into a new era of development and innovation.

Construction works are underway to expand the Thompson brownfield site, County Down, for the DTF. They will be completed in Spring 2023. Testing equipment will be installed in the Summer.

Parallel to the construction works, there will be testing engineering positions available. This is a great opportunity to help shape the future of the business and contribute to the design of the next generation aircraft interior products.

Thompson will be able to use the DTF to enhance his ability to certify new products for their airworthiness, as well as to conduct research and development work without ever leaving the factory. Thompson was forced to send products and members of his team to North America and Europe to test the DTF.

Neil Taggart, CEO of Thompson Aero Seating, said: “Having our own Dynamic Test Facility will give us a huge opportunity to save on lead times in the development of our new seats and improve sustainability – which have to be positives for our airline customers.”

Innovation and green credentials

Thompson will have greater innovation opportunities and can optimise designs, which will reduce weight and therefore lower the carbon footprint of seats in flight. Thompson will be able to use a more robust in-house dynamic testing facility. Additionally, it will be beneficial for the environment to test onsite.

Specification for testing

Engineers can simulate the dynamic conditions of a full scale crash event using sled testing. The installation of a reverse accelerator sled can produce accelerations up to 100g.

Partnership funding

Added Taggart: “The majority of the funding for the project has come from Thompson’s shareholder, with Invest Northern Ireland is part-funding the project. This is an exciting opportunity for Thompson Aero Seating. It will enable us to push the boundaries of design and bring further innovation to the aircraft interiors industry.”

Local MPs, Councillors, and business leaders from ADS, Sharing In Growth, as well as local MPs, have also supported the Makers Alliance.

www.thompsonaero.com