In aerospace projects, a strap or webbing is rarely selected on strength alone. Weight, abrasion, flame behaviour, dimensional stability, integration with fittings and traceability can all influence the final specification. The correct choice therefore starts with the application and certification context, not with a generic material name.
Start with the function of the textile component
Lécuyer manufactures webbings, straps, nets and textile components for aeronautical applications including cabin storage nets, internal restraint, flexible structural elements, cable sleeves and onboard equipment. Each use creates a different combination of mechanical, environmental and integration requirements.
- cabin and storage restraint components;
- internal lashing and retention systems;
- cable-management or protective textile sleeves;
- nets and flexible assemblies;
- technical straps integrated with metal or plastic fittings.
Define the performance requirements before selecting the fibre
A material should be selected from a functional specification. Relevant criteria can include tensile strength, elongation, abrasion resistance, resistance to UV exposure, mass, flexibility, behaviour in humidity, heat exposure and compatibility with the intended finishing or assembly process.
| Criterion | Why it matters in aerospace webbing |
|---|---|
| Tensile performance | Defines the force level the component must withstand in its intended configuration. |
| Mass | Weight reduction may be important, but must be balanced against durability and safety margins. |
| Abrasion | Repeated contact with fittings, edges or adjacent components can influence service life. |
| Elongation | Controls how the textile behaves under load and may affect positioning or restraint. |
| Flammability | Interior applications may be subject to specific flammability criteria depending on the aircraft and certification basis. |
| Traceability | Helps link the delivered component to material, batch and manufacturing records. |
Polyester, polyamide, polyethylene and aramid: different profiles
Lécuyer works with a broad range of fibres, including polyester, polyamide, polyethylene and high-performance aramids. Their properties are not interchangeable. The company’s webbing material guide compares basic characteristics such as resistance to breakage, abrasion, UV, humidity and heat. For an aerospace project, this first comparison must then be completed by application-specific testing and validation.
Polyester
Polyester is widely used where dimensional stability, abrasion resistance and good behaviour in humid environments are required. It can be relevant for many technical strap applications, subject to the required performance and certification criteria.
Polyamide
Polyamide offers high mechanical performance and flexibility. Its behaviour under moisture and its elongation characteristics must be considered in relation to the intended function.
Polyethylene and high-performance fibres
High-performance polyethylene and aramid fibres can provide specific advantages where low mass, high strength or heat performance is important. Their use should be based on the complete specification, including ageing, abrasion, assembly and environmental constraints.
Flammability: specify the applicable requirement, not a generic “fireproof” property
For aircraft compartment interiors, certification requirements may include flammability test criteria under CS/FAR 25.853 and the applicable parts of Appendix F. The precise requirement depends on the component, its location and the aircraft certification basis. A textile should therefore be specified against the exact test requirement rather than described only as “flame-retardant”.
Consider the complete assembly
The finished product is more than woven webbing. Buckles, carabiners, ratchets, stitching, protective elements and the way loads are introduced into the textile can affect performance. Lécuyer states that it can assemble metal or plastic components and develop products from the material stage through to finished assemblies.
Testing and repeatability are part of the specification
For aerospace supply, repeatability matters as much as prototype performance. Controlled tolerances, documented materials, validation testing and production traceability help ensure that the approved construction can be reproduced consistently.
What information should be included in an aerospace webbing brief?
- intended function and installation area;
- target loads and required elongation behaviour;
- width, thickness and dimensional tolerances;
- environmental constraints such as abrasion, UV, humidity or heat;
- applicable flammability or customer-specific test requirements;
- required fittings, stitching or assembly;
- colour and identification requirements;
- prototype, qualification and production quantities.
From requirement to a manufacturable textile solution
A robust specification combines functional requirements, material selection, weaving construction, finishing, assembly and validation. For projects involving aeronautical straps and webbings, involving the manufacturer early helps identify trade-offs before the design is frozen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for aerospace webbing?
There is no single best material. The choice depends on load, elongation, abrasion, weight, environmental exposure, flammability requirements and the way the webbing is integrated into the final assembly.
Does all aerospace webbing need to meet FAR or CS 25.853?
No. The applicable requirement depends on the component, its location and the aircraft certification basis. Interior materials can be subject to specific flammability criteria, but the exact test requirement must be defined for the application.
Why is traceability important for aerospace textile components?
Traceability links the delivered component to material and manufacturing records, helping support qualification, repeat production, quality investigations and controlled changes.
Should the buckle or fitting be specified with the webbing?
Yes. The textile and its fittings function as an assembly. Geometry, load transfer, stitching and compatibility with the hardware should be considered together.