The boat
Titanium keel
Never seen before on this type of boat, Safran’s new keel comprises a hollow aeronautical grade titanium keel blade to which the lead bulb has been mechanically attached and firmly fixed in place. The shape and size were drawn up by the designer Guillaume Verdier, and this latest titanium appendage has benefited from major contributions making the most of the know-how that exists within the Group.
Titanium is in fact used in the aeronautical sector, particularly for landing gear, turbine blades and engine casings. Lighter and more resistant than steel, this alloy offers some precious advantages to the keel on Safran: • solidity and reliability: the parts making up the keel were manufactured using the same block of aeronautical grade material, then welded together by being bombarded by electron rays. • Light weight and performance: this material has made it possible to lower the centre of gravity and to improve the ratio of weight/power.
Engineers and technicians from two companies within the Safran Group, Messier-Bugatti-Dowty (global leader in braking and landing gear) and Snecma (aircraft and rocket engine manufacturer) carried out studies to design and manufacture the keel. They worked in close collaboration with various sub-contractors alongside the Group on the forging, machining and welding of the various elements.
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