Originally Posted by jcc
No they don't have primary "welded" alum structures, and alum is used because reduced weight is crucial to the task, and they have a track record of more then say 15? planes flying, they have extensive fatigue testing before manufacturing, they now have regular pre determined useful lifespan replacement procedures, and regular inspections beyond just visible. Its not an accurate comparison or observation.

Post weld heat treat of alum is problematic.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloha_Airlines_Flight_243

Unless you are an engineer working at a manufacturer or an IA, you are full of $hit...Yes they do have welded aluminum primary structures, I have worked on a lot of aircraft that do. Now machining has become cheaper and replaced it but it is still out there. Hell Boeing is using CF reinforced plastic now for spars...its not even epoxy based

Last edited by astjp2; 03/29/19 01:24 AM.
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