#Composites
MEL Composites supports ELA Aviation with advanced composite materials
Lightweight composite technologies support next-generation gyroplane development
The company supplies ELA Aviation with PVC foam cores, 3K and 6K woven carbon fabrics, lightweight stitched multiaxial carbon reinforcements, and a complete range of vacuum consumables tailored for resin infusion manufacturing.
ELA Aviation, headquartered in Fuente Obejuna, Córdoba, Spain, has developed from an experimental composite aircraft manufacturer into one of the world’s leading autogyro producers. Over the past three decades, the company has delivered more than 1,000 aircraft worldwide.
MEL’s composite materials are used throughout ELA’s aircraft portfolio, including carbon composite structures for fuselages, tail assemblies, fairings and trim systems. These lightweight components contribute to reduced aircraft weight and enhanced flight performance.
One example is the new Eclipse REVO, described by ELA Aviation as the first fully enclosed, two-seat carbon composite gyroplane capable of taking off without a runway. Featuring a carbon composite airframe and a Rotax 916is engine, the aircraft reportedly requires a take-off distance of just 10 metres.
Both companies have also worked together to further optimise laminate configurations and adapt vacuum consumable solutions for ELA’s resin infusion manufacturing process. According to the companies, these developments help improve production efficiency while reducing material waste.
“We are proud to support ELA Aviation and the development of next-generation gyroplane platforms using advanced lightweight composite technologies,” said Eduardo Galofre, CEO of MEL Composites. “The aircraft ELA produces demonstrate how carbon composite engineering can continue to improve aerospace performance, safety and manufacturing efficiency while delivering exciting new mobility solutions for both commercial and private aviation markets. We have also recently expanded our manufacturing capacity to provide additional options for custom-shaped core material kits as demand for advanced composite aerospace applications continues to grow.”














