DOKASCH LAUNCHES LIGHTWEIGHT, ULTRA DURABLE AIR CARGO CONTAINERS MADE WITH DYNEEMA^® AND AERONITE^® FROM DSM

URMOND (NL), October 6, 2009 - Following two years of successful flight trials, DoKaSch GmbH, a leading manufacturer of air cargo equipment, today introduced the new AKE lw-65 air cargo containers that are the first to be made with RP10 panels made from advanced composite material technology from DSM. The panels are designed to provide maximum strength at a minimum weight and are both stronger and lighter than traditional aluminum used in cargo containers. This advanced material breakthrough has been enabled through the use of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™, and Aeronite® resin from DSM.

The majority of the airline industry has recently committed to halve CO₂ emissions by 2050 and is exploring all possible weight saving options that do not compromise on safety or performance. The new AKE from DoKaSch is more than 30 lbs (15.5kgs), or around 20% lighter than standard aluminum containers. A typical mid size cargo fleet will load around 5,000 ULDs (Unit Load Device) over the course of a year which could result in savings of up to 1.5 million gallons (330,000 liters) of fuel, yielding a 28,000 ton reduction in CO₂ emissions and potential cash savings of euro 2 million ($3 million USD) for airlines.

Klaus Borowski, Global Sales Manager for DoKaSch commented: “The issue is clear. The airline industry needs to lose weight in response to rising fuel costs and environmental and regulatory pressures. New material developments and applications can help this.”

The DoKaSch lw-65 ULD with rigid RP10 panels replace aluminum sheets and are constructed using the same proven structural extrusion framework. As RP10 panels are up to 4 times stronger than aluminum sheets, the DoKaSch lw-65 ULD is extremely tough, strong and durable. In addition, the lw-65 ULD has excellent resistance to heavy impacts and general wear and tear which helps lower maintenance and repair costs by as much as 50% per year.

The lightweight RP10 panels have excellent adhesion properties allowing IATA code stickers to be applied more easily and securely, avoiding damage or loss of labeling.

The DoKaSch lw-65 ULD can also be manufactured in any airline color, which allows for easy identification. In addition, the panels display exceptional color and mechanical stability over their service life and are also FAR 25.853 certified.

“Advanced plastics and composite systems are making inroads in the aviation industry, replacing metal in structural, interior and cargo applications to help cut weight,” says Dietrich Wienke, New Business Development Manager, Aerospace and Aviation, DSM Dyneema. “Working closely with our colleagues within DSM Composite Resins has enabled the successful development of the RP10 composite panel as a light weight solution for ULDs. We are fully committed to the aviation industry and will continue to support it through ongoing innovation and latest generation advanced light weight materials and composite systems.”

The adoption of advanced composite, lightweight materials by the aviation industry is in its early phases and needs to be supported by appropriate testing and certification. DoKaSch and DSM Dyneema are taking the lead in addressing this with the recent proposition of rigorous new material test procedures for lightweight ULDs. The tests are designed to provide more comprehensive assurance and validation of both the performance and benefits of composites to the air cargo equipment industry.

“The advanced material solutions from suppliers and partners like DSM, supported by a more comprehensive and stringent testing are helping the industry address their weight issues,” adds Klaus Borowski.

DoKaSch light weight ULDs made with RP10 panels are already proving themselves in service with several carriers around the world. Based on the success of the AKE lw-65 inflight trials, DoKaSch has expanded its light weight ULD product offering to include AKH and all types of main deck containers, which are certified and commercially available.

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