Military Composites - Parts & Components

Military composite companies specializing in military grade composites - parts and components for defense and aerospace applications
Overview Military Composites - Parts & Components
By Mike Ball Last updated: December 3rd, 2024

Composite Materials for Defense

Composite materials, which are made up of two or more separate and usually dissimilar component materials, are used for a wide variety of military and defense applications. Examples of these materials include carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs), aramid fiber-reinforced plastics (AFRPs), and glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRPs).

Composite Containers for JDAM, Guidance Kits & Ground Support by PRC Composites

Composite Containers for JDAM, Guidance Kits & Ground Support by PRC Composites

Composite materials provide a number of advantages for military and defense applications. They provide a higher strength-to-weight ratio than traditional materials such as steel, so their use can allow vehicles to be more maneuverable, less bulky, and more fuel-efficient. Aircraft using military-grade composites will be able to carry heavier payloads and fly for longer.

Composites have excellent corrosion resistance and do not rust, resulting in fewer requirements for maintenance and replacement. Many components can be designed and manufactured as a single piece, reducing part counts in complex systems, increasing production efficiency, and resulting in fewer weak points. Monitoring sensors and systems can often be easily integrated into the material.

Military composites can be engineered to provide excellent ballistic resistance, making them ideal for armor in ground vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels. They can also be used to create body armor for soldiers and other personnel, with their light weight resulting in less fatigue for the wearer.

Composite Components

Composite components made of materials such as Kevlar can be found in a wide variety of aircraft, vehicles and platforms. Examples of these components include:

  • Helicopter rotors
  • Fuselage parts
  • UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) airframes
  • Radar panels
  • Flight surfaces
  • Seats, doors and hatches
  • Avionics and electronics enclosures

Composites are also often used to create packaging, handling, storage and transportation (PHST) solutions for missiles, munitions, engines, and other critical components and supplies.

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