Japan has fully launched the research and development of high modulus carbon fiber production technology for aircraft
On June 11, 2025, Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) announced that it has selected a new R&D project for high-speed mass production technology for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) within its "Common Platform Technology Development Project for Innovative Composite Materials for Aircraft."
In addition to developing technology that enables stable molding in a short time, this project aims to optimize the high-speed, high-volume (high-rate) molding process for CFRP, taking into account the need for molding process analysis tools to ensure quality and safety, as well as a database to support material certification. The research will be implemented by Tohoku University.
The budget for fiscal 2025 is 300 million yen (approximately 14.84 million RMB at the latest exchange rate), and the project is expected to run from 2025 to 2029.
Project Overview
In the aviation industry, the development of next-generation aircraft is accelerating, with an eye on the single-aisle aircraft market expected to emerge around 2035. One of the core technologies for this project is the high-speed (high-speed, mass-production) of CFRP.
CFRP is a lightweight, high-strength composite material widely used in aircraft fuselage structures. It is significantly lighter than conventional aluminum and contributes to lower fuel consumption and reduced environmental impact.
However, current CFRP manufacturing processes struggle to achieve stable molding. Therefore, it is necessary to innovate the following fundamental technologies and build a database to enable social application.
・Technology that achieves stable molding in a short time
・Molding process analysis tools that ensure safety and quality
・Material certification data infrastructure
To meet these needs, this project will promote the development of optimized CFRP high-speed molding processes and contribute to technological innovation in composite material manufacturing. Through this project, NEDO will enhance the competitiveness of Japan's aviation industry and contribute to the realization of a low-carbon society by reducing CO2 emissions through aircraft weight reduction.