DULLES, VA—Airbus and Northrop Grumman Corp are partnering to develop next-generation composite manufacturing technology. The three-year Wing of Tomorrow program will explore complex composite wing stiffener forming automation and out-of-autoclave material systems.

“This relationship positions Northrop Grumman for future potential high-rate production opportunities,” says Wendy Williams, vice president and general manager of aerospace structures at Northrop Grumman. “Our work with Airbus is an important component of growth in the commercial aerospace structures business.”