SEATTLE, Aug. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:
BA] and Russell Brands LLC announced today that they are working
together to incorporate excess carbon fiber from 787 Dreamliner
production in Russell Athletic protective athletic gear.
The companies will expand an initial collaboration that puts 787
carbon fiber into Russell Athletic's new CarbonTek football
shoulder pad system. Boeing and Russell Athletic see significant
benefits in using aerospace-grade carbon fiber because the carbon
filaments provide a high strength-to-weight ratio and greater
durability.
Boeing, which markets surplus factory materials to meet the
company's environmental and business goals, sees more opportunities
to repurpose carbon fiber as it increases the use of composites in
its commercial airplanes. Composite materials make up 50 percent of
the primary structure of the 787, including the fuselage and wing,
helping to make the Dreamliner 20 percent more fuel efficient than
the airplane it replaces. In addition, Boeing's new 777X will be
the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jet in the world due in
part to the industry's largest composite wing.
"Boeing decided to build the 787 Dreamliner with carbon
composites to increase fuel efficiency for our customers and
improve the passenger experience," said Julie Felgar, managing director of Boeing
Commercial Airplanes environmental strategy. "Our collaboration
with Russell Athletic is a fabulous opportunity to utilize the
strength and lightweight characteristics of 787 carbon fiber to
support elite athletes on the field."
The CarbonTek with OS Technology (patent-pending) shoulder pad
system has the sports industry's first-ever exoskeleton made of
aerospace-grade carbon fiber, which is thinner, stronger and
approximately 10 percent lighter compared to competitors. The
high-performance fiber also offers an increased range of motion and
secure fit for the athlete's body.
"We are thrilled to partner with Boeing and discover new ways to
utilize carbon fiber used on the 787 to make innovative,
game-changing products for the sports industry," said Robby Davis, senior vice president and general
manager, Russell Athletic. "It's an exciting opportunity for both
companies to leverage the value of carbon fiber used in
high-performance gear while helping to meet environmental
goals."
Several elite collegiate players from Division I universities
will be wearing the CarbonTek throughout the upcoming football
season, as well as Russell Athletic's three pro football
ambassadors: Pierre Garcon,
Mark Ingram and Colt McCoy.
For more information about:
- Boeing, visit www.newairplane.com and
www.boeing.com/environment
- CarbonTek with OS Technology™, visit
www.carbontekshoulderpads.com
- Fruit of the Loom's, parent company of Russell Brands LLC,
commitment to corporate social responsibility and other
initiatives, visit www.fotlinc.com
Contacts:
Wilson Chow
Communications
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+1 206-766-2918
wilson.chow@boeing.com
Matt Fox
Ketchum Sports &
Entertainment
212-796-9803
matthew.fox@ketchum.com
Photo and caption are available here:
http://boeing.mediaroom.com
SOURCE Boeing