Automotive parts maker Cobra is creating a stir in the aviation interiors industry, and for all the right reasons. The Welsh company has teamed with AeroCare to develop what it believes is the lightest economy-class seat in the world. Its Superlight Economy Seat weighs under 5.2kg fully dressed and has "caused a few eruptions today" during Aircraft Interiors Expo, says Cobra technical director Gary Seale. "We've had three teams of people from Airbus plus two of the big four seating companies come by the stand."
But what makes the seat so super light? Seale says the Cobra/AeroCare JV uses carbon hybrid polymer technology, which, in essence, is "carbon components encapsulated in plastic". The fixed-recline seat enables 31in legroom on a 28in pitch and is designed for the short/medium-haul market.