For the Farnborough Air show in July this year, we were tasked to manufacture a section of aircraft wing to be displayed by Parker Hannifin Aerospace.

Parker Hannifin are the worlds leading manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems in the industrial and aerospace markets. As Farnborough Air show is an iconic exhibition in the erospace industry, our client required a highly aesthetic and superbly finished model for their display stand.

Using the CAD data we were supplied by our customer, we created the frame from aluminium. This was welded and fabricated on site. To produce the leading edge and aileron on the model, we hot-wire cut polystyrene. This technique was used in order to benefit from the accuracy of wire cutting. The polystyrene was then faced with Obechi veneer.

Obechi veneer is produced by “shaving” it from the trunk, leaving it with a natural curl in one direction. This material was chosen for its aesthetic values.

Hydraulics were bolted in place inside the wing model, and covered using clear acrylic in order for them to be viewed whilst on display. The hydraulics were supplied to us and added authenticity to the model.

Overall, the wing section model was approximately 2.3 metres in length. Our model makers worked on this project for almost 3 weeks to ensure the highest possible standard. The completed model was then transported in a custom-made crate by a dedicated driver to Farnborough in the days leading up to the start of the air show.

JH May Model Makers were delighted to be chosen to help in this project and everyone involved was delighted with the finished product.