Gaskets, profiles, bellows, moulded parts and EMI/RFI shielding in VMQ silicone qualified to NF EN 2259/2260/2261 (hardness 50, 60 and 70 DIDC) and NF L17-106 (Ariane programme) for fuselage, engine, avionics, hydraulic systems and satellites. Manufactured under EN 9100 with scopes 50D (moulding) and 61D (extrusion) and NF EN 9163 certificates.
Elastomer components in aviation and space operate between cruise cold (−55 °C in unpressurised cabin) and engine heat (+315 °C transient), under continuous turbine vibration and thermal shock at start-up. The NF EN 2259/2260/2261 standards set the approved VMQ compounds at hardness 50, 60 and 70 DIDC; the NF L17-XXX standards cover special formulations (Ariane, NBR for Skydrol). The EN 9100 system defines the mandatory quality system for tier-one aerospace suppliers.
Continuous operation between −60 °C and +300 °C with transient peaks up to +315 °C in engine zones and hot air ducts. The Series 9 of the Progress catalogue (peroxide-cured VMQ with high-temperature additives) covers this range with mechanical properties stable after accelerated ageing per NF ISO 188.
Continuous turbine vibration, mechanical shock at start-up, cyclic pressure in hydraulic systems. Elastomer fatigue testing with NF ISO 815-1 compression set controlled batch by batch. NF EN 9103 dimensional tolerances for components on the aerospace assembly line.
Series 11 of the Progress catalogue with carbon fillers · volume resistivity ≤ 4-12 Ω·cm · Shore A 50 and 70 · available only in black. For connector gaskets, avionics cable shielding, sealing of onboard electronic equipment and equipment bays.
Resistance to aviation kerosene, Skydrol hydraulic fluids, turbine oils and maintenance solvents. Where temperature stays below +170 °C, NBR elastomers qualified to NF L17-121 (Class 21, fuels) and NF L17-123 (Class 23, hydraulic fluids) are used. Above that, FVMQ (Series 13) or VMQ with chemical limitation.
The Apt plant (France) operates under EN 9100 with dual certification scope: 50D for moulding (compression, HCR injection and LSR injection) and 61D for extrusion. Each batch leaves with an NF EN 9163 certificate of conformity and NF EN 9103 dimensional validation. Progress catalogue series qualified for civil aviation also carry a declaration for the Ariane programme under NF L17-106.
European regulatory framework for elastomer components in civil and military aviation and space programmes. System, formulation, batch and logistics — the four levels required to manufacture under an aerospace or space specification.
| Standard | Scope of application |
|---|---|
| EN 9100 | Aerospace quality management system · scopes 50D moulding and 61D extrusion |
| ISO 9001 | General quality management system |
| NF EN 9163 | Aerospace declaration of conformity · batch dossier |
| NF EN 9103 | Control of variation in key dimensional characteristics |
| NF EN 2259 | VMQ silicone elastomer · hardness 50 IRHD · compound approval |
| NF EN 2260 | VMQ silicone elastomer · hardness 60 IRHD · compound approval |
| NF EN 2261 | VMQ silicone elastomer · hardness 70 IRHD · compound approval |
| NF L17-106 | Ariane programme specifications · standardised aerospace rubbers |
| NF L17-121 (Class 21) | NBR elastomer resistant to aerospace fuels |
| NF L17-123 (Class 23) | NBR elastomer resistant to hydraulic fluids (Skydrol) |
| NF L17-102 | Marking and identification of aerospace elastomer products |
| NF L17-103 | Packaging and storage of unassembled elastomers · Ariane programme |
| NF L17-104 | Maximum shelf life of rubbers before use |
| ISO 14644-1 | Cleanroom classes · ISO 8 room for aerospace production |
| REACH (EC 1907/2006) | Registration, evaluation and restriction of chemicals |
| RoHS (2015/863) | Restriction of hazardous substances in airborne equipment |
Four series of the Progress catalogue cover the typical scenarios of the sector: extreme temperature in engine zones, dimensional precision with platinum-cured compounds, electromagnetic shielding and light sealing for panels. The VMQ series are qualified under NF EN 2259/2260/2261; the NBR series for fuels under NF L17-121/123.
Peroxide-cured VMQ with high-temperature additives · Shore A 40-70 · operating range −60 / +300 °C with peaks up to +315 °C. For engine zones, hot air ducts, exhaust ducting and gaskets in turbine bay. Highest continuous temperature in the catalogue.
Platinum-cured VMQ with no volatile by-products · Shore A 20-90 (widest range of the platinum catalogue) · range −60 / +200 °C (+300 °C transient). For precision space gaskets, components with strict dimensional requirements and satellite and launcher applications.
VMQ with carbon fillers · volume resistivity ≤ 4-12 Ω·cm · Shore A 50 and 70 · range −50 / +210 °C. Available exclusively in black. For connector gaskets, avionics cable shielding and sealing of onboard electronic equipment against electromagnetic interference.
Platinum-cured cellular VMQ · density 0.5-0.8 g/cm³ · closed-cell structure · range −60 / +200 °C. For lightweight profiles sealing access panels, inspection hatches, fairings and technical bays with optimised weight.
The base polymer arrives with the supplier's CoA and compliance declaration to NF EN 2259/2260/2261 according to target hardness. Each banbury assigns a unique batch number maintained through mixing, calendering, extrusion or moulding, post-cure in sealed stainless-steel oven and packaging per NF L17-103. The operator signs the inspection plan at each stage.
The first production batch is validated before any shipment: compound mechanical data sheet (tensile NF ISO 37, hardness NF ISO 7619-1, compression set NF ISO 815-1), NF EN 9103 dimensional control and signed NF EN 9163 certificate. The file is preserved per NF L17-104 and the aerospace customer's specification.
Reference catalogue for fuselage, engine, avionics, hydraulic systems, cabin climate control and space programmes. Series and formulation selection is confirmed against the aerospace manufacturer's specification.
| Product | Typical application in the sector | Data sheet |
|---|---|---|
| Flat gaskets | Sealing of pressurised fuselage, cabin, fairings, access hatches | View details |
| O-rings | Hydraulic circuits, flanged connections in avionics, pump sealing | View details |
| Custom profiles | Sealing of doors, inspection hatches, access panels | View details |
| Inflatable seals | Access panels with active expansion, technical hatches | View details |
| Reinforced hoses | Cabin air conditioning and pressurisation, ventilation ducts | View details |
| Compression-moulded parts | Series 9 components for engine zones and hot-air ducts | View details |
| Series 15 cellular profiles | Lightweight sealing of fairings, technical bays, service hatches | View details |
| FKM / Viton™ B gaskets | Hydraulic systems with Skydrol, aviation fluids and fuels | View details |
Send us the aerospace manufacturer's specification, the target Shore A or DIDC hardness, thermal range, chemical requirement (Skydrol, kerosene, maintenance agents), applicable NF EN 2259/2260/2261 or NF L17 standard and estimated series. We confirm the series (S09, S12, S11, S15 or specific NBR), EN 9100 scope (50D / 61D), available NF EN 9163 certificate and sample lead time tested. No purchase commitment.
