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The United States Army has awarded
Goodrich a contract for the development of mortar barrel segments
incorporating the FyreRoc® composite material system. This material
involves an inorganic resin system designed to withstand high temperatures
of more than 1000 degrees Celsius. If successful, the composite
barrel could replace the current steel 81mm barrel, significantly
reducing weight and increasing the ease of carrying the weapon into
battle. Initial fabrication of the barrels is expected to be completed
by August 2004, and additional testing will follow. The FyreRoc®
material was originally developed for the U.S. Navy but has been
finding uses in other areas as well. In 2003 the material found
its way into fire-rated commercial wood doors.
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 Talon
Chairs is prepared to introduce the first completely carbon fiber
production chair. With the coming of age of carbon fiber, it is
becoming a more viable option for full-scale production and not
just low-volume artistic pieces. The Talon chair utilizes the RTM
process and a structure almost entirely of carbon fiber braids with
unidirectional sub layers. This creates an ideal situation for high-volume
production and a low-labor finish. This method also forces the braid
into very tight radiuses, creating extremely complex forms and holding
a high level of detail; features typically only achieved through
CNC tooling. The finished chair is lightweight, stackable, and carries
an MSRP of only $450, far less than other carbon furniture selling
for thousands of dollars. Talon expects their new chair to capture
a part of the $118 billion U.S. furniture market. |
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 Tactical
Aerospace Group (TAG) has unveiled its latest projects, the TAG-M65
and TAG-MOV UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) helicopters. Both models
feature an airframe constructed completely out of composite materials.
This composite construction offers a very lightweight and strong machine,
capable of handling heavier payloads (up to 44lbs.), reducing maintenance
costs, and achieving longer endurance (8 hours). Able to perform autonomous
missions of up to 500 miles, this UAV will be used for communications,
surveillance, sensory, jamming, or a variety of other tasks. UAVs
routinely perform missions that might otherwise put human pilots into
harm's way. Both models are currently in full production and are available
for military, civil, and commercial uses. |
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 Kockums,
a Swedish company at the forefront of modern naval technology, has
developed the Visby, a stealth ship that claims to offer the least
detectable radar signature available. The ship's hull features large,
flat, angular surfaces commonly associated with stealth craft. The
majority of the vessel is constructed of sandwich-construction carbon
fiber, giving the ship high strength and rigidity, low weight, high
shock absorption, and a low magnetic signature. The lightweight hull
provides increased payload capacity, higher speed, and longer range.
Besides the specially designed hull, the craft also features waterjet
propulsion, making the vehicle fast and silent as it cuts through
the water. The ship also contains a full arsenal of offensive and
defensive weapons. The ship was built for the Swedish Navy and is
currently undergoing its final testing. The first Visby is expected
to enter service early next year. |
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