Boeing and Airbus receiving 'conterfeit' titanium?!

[thewayne]

This is weird. Spirit Aerosystems reported to the FAA and notified Boeing and Airbus that they had detected 'counterfeit' titanium entered their supply chain through forged documents from a supplier.

So basically Spirit noticed a problem with the paperwork, which means a supply chain failure with the potential for low-grade or adulterated titanium having been used in aircraft. However, Spirit says that they have conducted "more than 1,000 tests ... to confirm the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the affected material to ensure continued airworthiness."

Both Boeing and Airbus say that this issue does not affect the airworthiness of the flying fleet and that suspect parts have been pulled from production and isolated.

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/boeing-airbus-may-used-counterfeit-titanium-planes-faa-investigating-rcna157160

Comments

[kaishin108]

Oh dear, some of these unscrupulous companies. That is horrible. I may never fly again. :(

[thewayne]

Greed and capitalism go hand in fist.  I can't remember which maker, but one of the Big Three car makers is now making major front end suspension components out of PLASTIC.  It's high-strength plastic, to be sure, but it's still plastic.  And after X number of miles - guaranteed to be after the warranty expires, that plastic is going to fail and you'll be stuck with a repair bill that you might not see if they were made out of metal.

[kaishin108]

That is horrible plastic cars. If someone has to park in the sun all the time or snow, that won't be good.