Carbon Fiber UAV

Here is a neat look at a little UAV made of carbon fiber. It is pretty amazing what these sensors and surveillance equipment can do...

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Composite Armor Updates

He are some of the of the latest on composite armor:

BAE Systems Security & Survivability announced they will be supplying the composite armor kits for 1,780 new military line haul tractors. More Info

In a separate announcement, BAE signed an agreement with Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (RIA), located in Rock Island, Illinois. This government agency will be working with BAE to provide the manufacturing of composite armor. More Info

Here is an interesting article about the M-ATV program and Oshkosh, It seems the military is going to order 10,000 of these vehicles (already have ordered 2,000). All of which will be fit with composite armor from Plasan.

Finally, here is an article about a recent military show in China. The People's Liberation Army showed off UAVs, weapons, and combat vehicles. The article states:

"The Type-99G MBT is the most modern variant of the new Type-98/99 series first seen in the 1999 parade. Improvements include an upgraded turret with detachable and upgradable composite armor, use of explosive reactive armor, plus improved engine and targeting systems."

I wonder what type of composite materials China is using?

Photo Credit: Army.mil via flicker

UAVs and Composite Materials

In the latest cover story in Popular Science Magazine, an interesting article is dedicated to drones used by the Air Force and the training of the pilots. From this article, the following were the most interesting quotes:

"At this moment, dozens of armed drones circle miles above insurgents, watching everything in real time, with resolution sharp enough to read a license plate"

"More than a third of the 200 Predators delivered to date have crashed catastrophically, due to both aircraft malfunction and human error."

This timely article is coinciding with the largest Unmanned Aerial Vehicle conference currently going on in DC, The AUVSI's Unmanned Systems. At this trade show, demonstrations of UAVs are going on, with the largest advancements being: surveillance/communication equipment, advanced propulsion, and advanced aerostructures/increased payloads.

Composite materials are playing a crucial role in the bodies and wings of these vehicles, particularly autoclaved carbon components. Weight must continue to drop thus allowing these aircraft's to carry more equipment / weapons, and stay in the air longer.

As this relatively young industry continues to mature, advances in composite tooling, out of autoclave production, and new composite materials will help transform the next generation UAVs and drones.

Other interesting recent articles:
Xconomy
NY Times

Photo Credit: Army.mil via flicker

Composite material earmarks?

Currently there is a $533 Billion dollar defense bill working its way through Washington. With defense being one of the brightest spots in the composite industry, it will be interesting to see where the money goes, and if any will fall with composite companies.

South Carolina's "The State" recently published an article, stating that approximately $200 million of this bill will be sent to their southern state. Of that:

- $3.3 million is set aside for AGY Holding Corp. of Aiken, SC for development of glass fiber ballistic armor

- $4 million is earmarked for Defense CS of Bamberg County, SC for development of antiballistic windshield armor

- $1.6 million is marked for Clemson University for purchase of microscopes and equipment to develop materials that will protect optical sensors on U.S. Navy ships and submarines

Although South Carolina has a strong presence in composites, in particular fibers, textiles, and fabrics, it is my guess that there will be a decent amount set aside for composite material companies.

Composite armor and UAVs are my guess to be the biggest winners...

Photo Credit: Tracy O via flicker