Avro International Aerospace is to test a composite tail-fin leading edge on its Avroliner regional jet, to enable it to offer airlines a high-frequency (HF) radio-communications capability. Avro says that the HF aerial will be embedded in the fin, as an alternative to installing a "washing-line"-type aerial running from the fin to the forward fuselage. The component will be manufactured by BP Chemicals of the UK, using a Kevlar/glassfibre -reinforced composite.
Source: Flight International