Dufour Aerospace announces selection of WAG Wernli to manufacture composite brackets for Aero2

^{From left to right: Tamara Hager (Dufour Designer), Rafael Wernli (Owner WAG Wernli), Peter Kaspar (CEO WAG Wernli), Mathieu Janier (Dufour Designer).}‍

Zurich, February 15, 2024: Dufour Aerospace is pleased to announce the selection of WAG Wernli AG to manufacture composite brackets. WAG Wernli is a Swiss-based designer and manufacturer of fiber-reinforced plastic molded parts.

The WAG Wernli designs include sheet moulding compound (SMC) material through high pressure and temperature curing processes. It will replace the original aluminium brackets used on the Aero2, enabling the Aero2 to enjoy cost and weight savings.

Simon Bendrey, Head of Design of Dufour Aerospace said: “WAG Wernli is a small, family-run firm that takes pride and care in their work producing quality components in small batch runs. They have a proven track record in hot pressing finished parts directly from moulds using SMC materials, and Dufour is excited to work with them on the manufacture of production support brackets for the Aero2. WAG Wernli will provide lightweight, stiff carbon brackets with exceptional fatigue performance, supporting the main fittings on the aircraft. They offer exceptional value for money when compared to traditional milled aluminium or hand-laminated components. Dufour is looking forward to a successful partnership on the Aero2 programme.”

The combination of different materials, such as aluminium and fiber-reinforced plastics, poses various challenges in terms of assembling quality in aviation. The technology used by WAG Wernli and their SMC-pressing process produces an economical and reproducible carbon molded part for the Aero2. In addition to an economic advantage, the C-SMC products are up to 45% lighter than aluminum components, and they are corrosion-resistant and have good adhesive properties. Inserts such as bearings can be integrated positively into the molded part without the need for subsequent bonding.

About Wag Wernli
WAG Wernli AG has been producing fiber-reinforced plastic molded parts for more than 40 years. From consulting, engineering, and production to component assembly, WAG Wernli AG offers the entire product range - bonded, screwed and painted. Their core competence is the production of fiber-reinforced high- performance plastics in the pressing process (thermoset, thermoplast). They do not limit themselves to standard components, but they like to challenge the technical feasibility of the production process and the range of materials used. Accordingly, WAG Wernli AG attaches great importance to working in partnership with research institutes, material manufacturers and innovative companies.
www.wag.ch

About Dufour Aerospace
Dufour Aerospace develops efficient and ecological aircraft for patient and passenger transport, logistics and public safety. Dufour Aerospace’s designs currently under development rely on the tilt-wing principle. They take-off and land vertically in the smallest space like a helicopter but fly as fast and economically as an airplane. While the propellers are electric-driven, hybrid elements (conventional combustion engines or fuel cells) ensure a sufficiently long range. The first product Dufour Aerospace will launch is the Aero2, an uncrewed aerial vehicle specifically designed for the transportation of critical cargo such as medical supplies of up to 40 kilograms/88 pounds in medium to long range distances. The manned Aero3, featuring a spacious cabin with eight seats and large doors, is the next aircraft in development by Dufour Aerospace.