Hypersonic capabilities to be supported under new technical collaboration
NewsJuly 07, 2021
WICHITA, Kan. Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. and Fiber Materials, Inc., subsidiaries of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., and Albany Engineered Composites, a subsidiary of Albany International Corp., have formally entered a technical collaboration agreement to deliver a suite of differentiated technical and industrialized solutions to support hypersonic program developments.
According to officials, the combination of Spirit’s ultra-high temperature composites and structures capabilities along with Albany Engineered Composites’ production of 3D woven, near-net shape composites will be combined to design, develop, and manufacture Thermal Protection Systems solutions for hypersonic missions.
Officials claim that the collaboration is intended to lower the risks of manufacturing hypersonic capable large acreage and aeroshell configurations. By combining Albany Engineered Composites’ 3D woven near-net-shaped composites technology with Spirit’s densification processes, the companies are aiming to exceed hypersonic design requirements, increase production output, reduce waste and lower cost. This collaboration will also intend to improve response time to developmental timelines to meet industry demands.
