Composites Use in Military & Defense
One of the main drivers of composites use in defense-related structures – such as components for fighter jets and other aircraft, weapons systems, and to some extent land- and water-based vehicles – is the high temperatures and harsh conditions in which these applications are used. Composite materials also offer high impact resistance, light weight and corrosion resistance needed for work in the field.
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Latest Defense Articles
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Ultra high-temperature insulating CMC targets hypersonics, space heat shields and other demanding applications, tested up to 2760°C under extreme stagnation pressures.
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AS9100D and AS9120B accreditation across Velocity’s three manufacturing sites in the U.K. and U.S. reinforce quality service to aerospace and defense customers.
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Scaled Composites, Cornerstone Research Group and others are supplying the uncrewed aircraft, which will mature a long-endurance aircraft design.
Read MoreNTS Technical Systems becomes Element U.S. Space & Defense
Advanced testing services provider’s updated brand identity sharpens its focus, capabilities on serving space and defense sectors.
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Discover the types of sensors being used in composites, the physics on which they�re based, their installation, promised benefits and challenges, as well as the potential they offer for even further developments in smart structures.
LEARN MORELatest Defense News And Updates
Turnkey manufacturer bridges composite needs in defense
CAMX 2024: Attendees can learn about MTCcorp’s work with Northrop Grumman to design, fabricate and deliver mission-critical equipment racks for defense aircraft.
Read MoreAirbus presents unmanned Wingman concept
Fighter jet model unveiled at ILA Berlin, made from an iron structure and composite outer skin, will deliver more tactical options, supporting future combat missions.
Read MoreMTorres launches BMI AFP head for F-35 program at SABCA
High-angle AFP head featuring MTorres’ latest upgrades advances fabrication of wing skins and covers for the F-35.
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Per the agreement, Aerovel’s Flexrotor, a vertical takeoff and landing UAS aircraft, will provide enhanced and expanded mission capability offerings to Airbus customers.
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Zotefoams’ closed cell, crosslinked, nylon-based foam included in high-performance impact protection solutions for defense and law enforcement.
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Pull-wound carbon fiber poles enable lightweight, compact, rigid emergency stretcher
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WatchIndustrializing additive manufacturing in the defense/aerospace sector
GA-ASI demonstrates a path forward for the use of additive technologies for composite tooling, flight-qualified parts.
Read MoreDefense manufacturer reflects on growth, opportunity in complex composite structures
Long Island-based, four-time CW Top Shops honoree GSE Dynamics cites diversification in processes, digitalization, workforce training and more on its successes over 50+ years, and looks ahead to future growth.
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Maine-based CW Top Shops honoree Compotech Inc. recently doubled its manufacturing space and team to produce modular composite panels for defense applications via light resin transfer molding (LRTM).
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Read MorePlant tour: Renegade Materials Corp., Miamisburg, Ohio, U.S.
Renegade Materials is known for high-performance prepregs for aerospace applications. Following its acquisition by Teijin in 2019, the company has expanded capacity and R&D efforts on a range of aerospace-targeted materials.
Read MoreFAQ: Defense
How are composites used in the defense market?
Composites can be used to lightweight defense aircraft and other vehicles, increasing range or allowing higher payloads.
Ultra-high temperature (UHT) composite materials can also be tailored to withstand harsh environments and high temperatures, or to be antiballistic. Research and production of ultra-high temperature (UHT) ceramic matrix composites (CMC), with melting points of 2,500°C (4,532°F) or higher, has ebbed and flowed over the years, following rising and falling demand for applications like hypersonic defense systems and space launch vehicles.
Source: Lockheed Martin expands development, production of ultra-high temp CMCs with facility expansion
Can composite materials be antiballistic?
New materials cntinue to be developed for use as bullet-proof armor for vehicles, infrastructure and equipment.
Historically, antiballistic material designers have preferred tough but expensive aramids, high-density polyethylenes and the like, passing over conventional E-glass as too brittle to have ballistic stopping power.
Proprietary additives and resin systems have enabled the development of bullet-proof fiberglass materials. 3D weaving of carbon fiber, fiberglass or other composite materials can also help to develop high-strength preforms for use as armor materials or molded panels.