Japan aims to raise the level of the aircraft industry with the cooperation of industry, government and academia（産官学が協力して日本の航空機産業の底上げを狙う）

Boeing 28 days, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced that three companies and the Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo and, and undertake joint studies in the manufacturing technology of the aircraft. Tackle such studies lead to improved technology, such as cutting of carbon fiber composite materials are used in "787" Boeing's new airliner first, to reduce manufacturing costs. Also participate in the future call for such a machine tool manufacturer. Japan aims to raise the level of the aircraft industry with the cooperation of industry, government and academia.
I work on joint research, including Boeing is the first university in Japan. In addition to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. to participate. Technology development for about three years to tackle cutting carbon fiber composite materials and titanium, of aluminum first. Analyzing the degree of tool wear during cutting due to temperature changes and frictional heat production with the help of Ken University of Tokyo. Find techniques that can be processed quickly and efficiently.
By listening to the problems in the field of processing technology from the three companies, practical technical finish to. There is a possibility that future technologies such as composite materials solidify burn without consuming a lot of technology and power of carbon fiber laminated become the subject of research.
"I want to apply new technology to a wide range of aircraft" and that (Boeing). The more material the use of lighter weight leads to improved fuel efficiency, but likely to lead to expansion of the scope of the preceding orders of Japanese companies in this field.
Ken and three production companies will establish a consortium of Tokyo as a framework for cooperation between industry and academia. In addition to soliciting investment from companies, to raise research funds to participate in research and development projects the Japanese government to a public offering. Immediate period of collaborative research, has been five years.
The size of the aircraft industry in Japan is about 1.1 trillion yen, less than 10% remain in the United States. The three companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. is becoming a greater sense of presence, such as responsible for the production of only 35% of the 787 airframe. Nagano has been senior executive officer of Fuji Heavy Industries is "only one company, but there is a limit, such as increased research funding, staffing and if Atsumare Several companies also tackle the theme of research difficult."
Maybe I need to become more and more in the future regime to enhance the competitiveness of the world in various fields are cooperating with each other beyond the enterprise.



米ボーイングは28日、東京大学生産技術研究所や三菱重工業など３社と、航空機の製造技術で共同研究を始めると発表した。まずボーイングの新型旅客機「787」に使われている炭素繊維複合材の切削加工技術の改良など、製造コストの削減につながるような研究に取り組む。今後は工作機械メーカーなどにも参加を呼びかける。産官学が協力して日本の航空機産業の底上げを狙う。
ボーイングが日本で大学も含めた共同研究に取り組むのは初めて。三菱重工のほか、川崎重工業、富士重工業が参加する。まず炭素繊維複合材やチタン、アルミの切削加工技術開発に約３年間取り組む。東大生産研の力を借りて摩擦熱による切削時の温度変化や工具の摩耗度合いなどを解析。短時間で効率よく加工できる手法を探す。
３社の技術者から加工現場での問題点を聞くことで、実践的な技術に仕上げる。今後は炭素繊維の積層技術や電力をあまり使わずに複合材を焼き固める技術などが研究テーマとなる可能性があるという。
「新技術は幅広い機体に応用していきたい」（ボーイング）としている。燃費向上につながる軽量化素材の利用が増えれば、この分野で先行する日本企業の受注範囲の拡大につながりそうだ。
東大生産研と３社は産学連携の枠組みとしてコンソーシアムを設立する。企業から出資を募るほか、日本政府が公募する研究開発事業に参加して研究資金を調達する。共同研究の期間は当面、５年としている。
日本の航空機産業の規模は約1.1兆円で、米国の１割以下にとどまる。ただ三菱重工など３社は787の機体の35％の製造を担当するなど存在感を高めつつある。富士重工業の永野専務執行役員は「１社だけでは限界があるが、複数の企業が集まれば研究資金や人員などが増え、難しい研究テーマにも取り組める」としている。
　様々な分野でも世界的競争力を高めるためには企業の枠を超えて互いに協力しあう体制が今後ますます必要になっていくのかもしれませんね。