The latest A320neo model had its maiden flight in September 2014. The NEO model seats up to 189 passengers. During the renewals, Airbus focused on modernisation, cost-effectiveness and increased efficiency. Bucher’s products meet these high standards. Inconspicuous at first glance, they are part of an important safety architecture within the aircraft cabin.
With the Bionic Partition, Bucher has developed a component that supports the cabin crew in their tasks and – figuratively speaking – backs them up in an emergency. The multifunctional Partitions have passed the strict qualification and approval programme and are now being installed in new aircraft as well as in a retrofit in the rear door 4 area in the A320.
Beat Burlet, CEO of the Bucher Group, on the first installation at Airbus:
“We are very proud, that our lightweight Partition is now part of the safety architecture within the aircraft cabin and is being used for the first time in daily flight operations. The enormous weight savings, that we have achieved with this product, are the result of several years of development. The first delivery to an aircraft manufacturer and finally to an airline fills us with immense pride.”
Through its position, the Partition separates the passenger area of the cabin from the crew’s working area towards the rear galley and the toilets. As a final element, the Partition can be integrated holistically into the cabin design by using decorative foils or paintwork with airline-typical colouring or logo.
It’s the inner values that count – In another function, the Partition is the carrier of a wall-mounted cabin attendant seat and various holders for emergency equipment. The emergency equipment includes, for example, fire extinguishers, smoke masks, oxygen supply or life jackets.
Functional lightweight construction and bionics
In bionics, construction methods and mechanisms from biology are analysed and their findings are transferred to technology. If it is possible to recognise the interplay of individual elements in the overall design, waste can be reduced and previously unused potential can be released.
Driven by the idea of innovation, the bionic structural concept of the Partition had to withstand varying static and dynamic loads as well as load changes. To obtain approval, the structure was not allowed to fail under dynamic accelerations of more than 16 g in the direction of flight.
n addition, flexible positioning of add-on parts in zones to be defined had to be taken into account. The lightweight structure was to allow a low structure weight with the highest possible payload. To meet all these requirements, a modern fibre composite sandwich panel of the latest generation had to be created.
After more than two years of development at Bucher the result is a sandwich panel with a honeycomb core and carbon fibres (CFRP). Radically rethought and unconventionally constructed, it offers a multi-layer composite of various different fibre orientations. These are used over the entire surface or locally, with the wall thickness of the sandwich remaining the same.
Thanks to this new type of construction, weight savings of more than 30% could be achieved in the sense of bionics by using less material than conventional products on the market.
Since 2016, the DB Regio subsidiary of the Südostbayernbahn has been working on the IdeenzugCity project together with the innovation lab “d.lab”, the Munich design agency “neomind”, 30 partners, the passengers, and the Bavarian Railway Company.
In the 1:1 model of a commuter train, ideas are being explored around rail travel in the urban transport of the future. The aim is to use innovative ideas, to play an active role in shaping the transformation of transportation and encourage many people to switch their transportation to the environmentally friendly train. From convertible modules and new comfort concepts to sustainable interior design, a wide range of trends and topics are being implemented here. The first presentation of the IdeenzugCity is scheduled for July 21, 2021.
The implemented modules of Bucher, which can be viewed virtually, after registration, on the Ideenzug are the following:
Workspace
Even the smallest space can be used wisely. Our especially developed table systems meet all requirements for intelligent use of space – thanks to adaptable modularity and a focus on compatibility with other elements of the workspace. Our customers – aircraft seat and automotive manufacturers, rail integrators or outfitting centers – are always on the lookout for innovative solutions to meet their ever-increasing requirements for passengers and crew.
For the IdeenzugCity, Bucher was allowed to implement a workspace in front of a window that can be used as a workstation with tablet holder and inductive charging stations for cell phones. To be able to work comfortably, the passenger can make himself comfortable on the foldable sit-stand chairs.
Seating elements
In addition, Bucher was commissioned to implement various seating elements for the project. These seating elements convince with sophisticated functionalities and mechanisms. The functionality is based on Newton’s law of gravity. Bucher’s innovative engineers and designers often make use of such peculiarities that occur in nature and implement them in the design of interior products for transportation applications.
For example, sliding seats next to entrance doors serve as comfortable seating during off-peak hours. At peak times, they are transformed into a space-saving, upholstered wall where the passenger can lean against. Furthermore, a complete bench seat was developed which can be folded in front of unused doors to provide three additional seats. A similar concept is the 4-seater element, which can also be placed in front of the entrance doors to gain additional seating.
Customized cabin mechanisms are great examples of Bucher’s know-how, experience and sophisticated design aesthetics. We consistently meet the highest expectations of functionality and comfort for our customers.
In addition to the individually developed elements listed, Bucher also supplies kitchens and toilets to the rail market.
Beat Burlet, CEO of Bucher Leichtbau, comments as follows:
“Bucher is extremely pleased to be involved as a supplier for this promising, innovative rail concept. Projects such as this can demonstrate how an even more comfortable travel experience can be offered to passengers in mass transit in the future.”
The further development of the AC67 equipment, which has been successfully in use for many years, has now been implemented by Bucher engineers resulting in the new AC67 flex. Up until recently, only dedicated HEMS operators have been able to benefit from the high quality Bucher HEMS kits. Now, customers such as police, transport companies or military operators will have the opportunity to convert their H135 helicopter into a fully functional rescue helicopter within about 30 minutes by using the AC67 flex-kit. Mission profiles are now available for almost every HEMS application, from primary, secondary to disaster missions with dual stretcher.
The short installation time of about 30 minutes was made possible by the proven quick release system from Bucher Leichtbau. The HEMS-kit can be installed and removed quickly and safely without tools and with just a few hand movements. This means that the helicopter is always available for further use.
Beat Burlet, CEO of the Bucher Group, comments on this certification:
More and more helicopter operators want to be able to use their helicopters around the clock. With our equipment, we address exactly this need and make it possible to equip the helicopter for HEMS operations within minutes through the fast and flexible installation and removal system. We are very pleased, that we have already have won customers for this new product. With the successful approval of our AC67 flex equipment, we are now able to deliver the first kits this year.
For more information about our AC67 flex equipment, please visit our website. For any further questions or a non-binding offer, please feel free to contact our team at: bucher@bucher-group.com.
Bucher’s focus for this project was to enable Uganda Airlines to provide the best service possible for their passengers. To do so, Bucher developed exceptional features like flower holders in the Business Class area and provisions for easy adaptions of the Galley layout for new catering requirements in the future e.g. increase of oven capacity or installation of wine chillers. A customized decoration of the monuments will provide a warm welcome to passengers and will help further create a comforting atmosphere within the cabin.
Commenting on the news, Ephraim K. Bagenda, Director of Maintenance, Uganda Airlines comments: “I am delighted that Bucher delivered extraordinary Galleys, Stowages and Partition Walls to Uganda’s new A330-800neo aircraft. The news is a testament to the quality products and service that Bucher is renowned for, and marks the start of our working relationship together. We look forward to welcoming our passengers in these beautiful aircrafts.
Quality has always been driving force at Bucher. This can be attributed to the founder of the company, Heinrich Bucher, who was inspired by the idea of producing lightweight and reliable galleys made out of aluminum. Bucher has continued to refine and optimize this unique lightweight construction concept. Nowadays, however, Bucher has expanded its product offering to also include composite and carbon fiber materials, thus allowing the company to easily and efficiently adapt its products to meet individual customer requirements. Bucher continues to be a global leader in all line fit and retrofit projects.
For more information about Bucher Group, please visit: https://bucher-group.com or contact us at: bucher@bucher-group.com.
With our newly created antiviral kit, we offer passengers and crew the best possible protection from germs when boarding and during the flight. Positioned at the entrance to the aircraft cabin, is a dispenser that provides hand sanitizer and hygiene masks. This solution allows crew members and passengers to disinfect their hands and obtain fresh face masks as required. For taxi, take-off and landing, this dispenser unit can be easily removed and stowed in the Galley.
Furthermore, all gripping surfaces on Galleys, such as handles, latches and work surfaces will be coated with an antiviral surface to reduce the risk of contact transmission. In addition, UV light in the Galleys ensures that germs in the working area on surfaces and in the air can be eliminated in just a few minutes.
For more information on our Antiviral Galley Kit, please contact us at bucher@bucher-group.com
Therefore the whole team today is extremely pleased to have received EN ISO 13485:2016 from the Notified Body SQS. This will enable Bucher Leichtbau to develop new medical devices for use in the field of air rescue and, if necessary, to certify them.
“We are now able to approve our products efficiently and with the accustomed reliability at a European or even worldwide level. Due to our experience we were able to bring our processes up to the standard of EN ISO 13485:2016 in very short period of time which proves a high level of professionalism. This enables us to even better meet customer requirements and to continue to ensure patient safety,” says Beat Burlet, CEO of Bucher Leichtbau AG.
DRF Luftrettung continues to rely on Bucher Leichtbau for the interior fittings of its new helicopters. The signed agreement between the two organisations comprises of 15 AC70 kits for the H145 and up to 5 AC67 kits for the H135, which were developed with the input of DRF Luftrettung’s and Bucher Leichtbau’s extensive practical experience and technical know-how. The new “heart” of the established interior fittings is the stretcher. This new system for carrying patients was extensively tested for over a year at two of DRF Luftrettung’s HEMS bases before the start of series production, and meets all the requirements of the HEMS crew today.
“For many years now, we have relied on Bucher Leichtbau’s HEMS equipment, which meets our high quality standards. Thanks to our close collaboration, we were able to incorporate our practical experi-ence directly into the development process at Bucher Leichtbau. The equipment’s modularity offers us the advantage that it can be adapted to different mission profiles, such as winch rescue or special inten-sive care transport,” explains Dr. Krystian Pracz, CEO of DRF Luftrettung.
Adapted to the requirements of crews and patients
The new carrying system boasts innovative features which relieve the crews and benefit the patient. For instance, the stretcher is optimised for the transfer processes. If a patient has to be transferred to an ambulance stretcher on the way between helicopter and hospital, for example, this operation will be even gentler and safer in the future. The pressure on the crew is reduced, as medical devices can also be safely carried along. Furthermore, the newly developed head of the helicopter stretcher allows power-assisted adjustment and thus even better patient care. Last but not least, the entire stretcher ensures even greater user safety – particularly during the helicopters’ take-off and landing phases and also during missions with patients on the ground.
The stretcher was initially developed for helicopter type H135 and then modified for type H145 (on wheel drive system). Thanks to this standardisation, crews only need to adjust to one system for differ-ent helicopter models. It was possible to maintain the stretcher’s load-carrying capacity of up to 250 kg in the modification for helicopter type H145.
In the future: Independent installation
As the first user, DRF Luftrettung has already introduced the stretchers at several HEMS bases: The new configurations are already in service in Halle (H135/H145), Friedrichshafen (H135) and Freiburg (H145). From now on, all new helicopters will be equipped to accommodate the new HEMS kits. In the future, DRF Luftrettung plans to independently install the HEMS kits in its helicopters at its hangar at the Operation Centre located at the Karlsruhe / Baden-Baden airport, and will also be able to offer this ser-vice to external customers. The necessary training courses by Bucher Leichtbau for the engineers of DRF Luftrettung are currently being planned.
“We are very pleased that our offer has been so well received and that we can continue our successful collaboration with DRF Luftrettung. Having such an experienced air rescue organisation by our side means great added value for us,” emphasises Beat Burlet, CEO of Bucher Leichtbau.
Customized products based on a high-quality standard, are the results of close and fruitful cooperation between the Bucher and Garuda Indonesia team.
The focus was on the arrangement of the inserts, including large 48-meal-ovens while optimizing work table space for the crew.
Commenting on the news, Beat Burlet, CEO of Bucher Group:
“I am delighted that Bucher had been selected to supply galleys and stowages to Garuda’s state-of-the-art fleet of 14 A330neo aircraft. The news is a testament to the quality products and service that Bucher is renowned for, and marks the start of our working relationship together. We are excited to see the finished product take to the skies.”
Quality is a key factor at Bucher. This can be attributed to the founder of the company, Heinrich Bucher, who was driven by the idea of producing lightweight and reliable galleys made out of aluminum. Bucher has continued to refine and optimize this unique lightweight construction concept. However, Bucher nowadays also offers composite and carbon fiber solutions, so the company remains flexible and can adapt its products to meet individual customer requirements.
To stay ahead of current market trends, our recent efforts have been focused on the next generation galley. Digital communication between on-board personnel, more efficient and cost-effective processes as well as transparency during daily work on-board are some of the many advantages Bucher is currently designing. Among other things, food waste can be reduced by providing accurate meal consumption figures through data analysis. This in turn leads to cost savings for the airline.
In order to promote the on-board sales of duty-free articles, we are presenting a completely new exhibition opportunity for on-board assortments in the form of a galley shopping window. In addition to the duty-free brochure, this platform will enhance the purchasing process and in turn increase the sales of exhibited products. Furthermore, our inventory management system will reliably record the entrances and exits of all sales items using a sophisticated EPS system. At the push of a button, sales and inventory reports can be evaluated in real time.
As a pioneer in lightweight construction, Bucher is also breaking new ground. Bucher has developed an ultra-light bionic partition, which supports the cabin crew in their tasks and provides extra protection in an emergency situation. The multifunctional partition is the first of four types to pass through the rigorous qualification and certification program and in the future will be installed by Airbus in the rear of A320 aircraft.
This year we were able to hand over the 1’000th airline stretcher to one of our satisfied customers. To celebrate this milestone, our specialists will be conducting live demonstrations of stretcher assembly and disassembly: the stretcher can be installed in 8 – 10 minutes without the need for tools. The height can be adjusted to fit neatly and safely in a wide range of aircraft seating and pitch dimensions. In its most common configuration, the installation of the stretcher requires the blocking of only three rows of seats.
At one of most interactive AIX exhibits, Bucher visitors will be able to appreciate our expertise in designing and building high-end cabin and seat mechanisms such as Tray Table Deployment Systems or Tablet Holder Solutions. The half-size ARCTICart, a thermally insulated ATLAS inflight service cart able to maintain food safely chilled for more than 20 hours without dry-ice or air chillers, will be presented to the public for the first time.
These are just a few of the many new products which we have in store for you. We listen to your wishes and challenges and respond with answers. Drop in and see for yourself all of these exciting innovations and new products at our booth. The entire team at the Bucher Group looks forward to welcoming you to AIX 2019!
AIX 2019, Hamburg, April 2-4, Hall 5, Booth 5D60.
