The consortium formed by Amorim Cork Composites (a member company of CORTICEIRA AMORIM), Couro Azul (CARVALHO Group), INEGI and SET (IBEROMOLDES Group), in close collaboration with Embraer and Almadesign, has designed an innovative aircraft interior under the LIFE - Lighter , Integrated, Friendly and Eco-efficient project.
With a 1.85 M € investment co-funded by the Portuguese National Strategic Framework Programme ("NSRF") under the Operational Programme for Competitiveness Factors ("COMPETE"), the LIFE project was implemented with the objective of designing an innovative aircraft cabin by strengthening the multidisciplinary approach between businesses and enhancing cross-sectoral cooperation in future aircraft projects, offering more eco-efficient, lightweight and comfortable solutions, which are expected to be the basis for future spin-offs in this area.
The solutions designed in the framework of the LIFE project are based on the use of natural, light and comfortable materials. These innovative aircraft interiors promote symbiosis between natural and synthetic materials and create a harmonious atmosphere where technology is present, but without jarring.
The aircraft interior ambience stimulates all our five senses by exploring textures, chromatic details, scents, lighting and temperature. The innovative design of the windows allows for greater visibility and abundant natural light and is an example of the project's innovative nature. Another novelty is the use of a system of a motion sensing interactive lighting system (SEED) giving each passenger their own personal choice of colour and light intensity and allowing passengers to switch between the moon lighting mode or a more traditional spot light for reading.
Thermal and acoustic comfort is provided by the use of CORECORK sandwich panels covered with natural leather and corkleather, another innovative feature designed to highlight the interior of the aircraft. The aircraft's roof, side panels and seats are covered with cork as well as other advanced composite materials including carbon fibre. This translates into a significant decrease in weight and effective thermal, acoustic and anti-vibratic insulation gains.
The consortium integrates skills from different areas of technology to build an innovative mock-up, using novel materials and advanced manufacturing technology, demonstrating know-how, technological capabilities and synergies within the group, and proposes an innovative view for this high added value and growing sector. This project will culminate in a repositioning of the partners involved in the LIFE project and will enhance their export capabilities in the global market.
