U.S. Army expands composites applications
By Staff | July 01, 2005
The U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD, Ft. Eustis, Va.) has selected Integrated Composites Inc. (Marina, Calif.) to design and manufacture the Light Armament Support Structure (LASS) for the Army's Black Hawk helicopter. The LASS will be fabricated from all-carbon composite structural members with glass fairings and will replace the existing aluminum structure. The company envisions weight reduction of approximately 50 percent.
No manufacturing processes or resins have yet been selected, notes Joe Johnson, CEO of Integrated Composites. The company estimates a 10- to 12-month development program with a multiyear production follow-on. Integrated Composites previously developed two composite structures for the Army's OH58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter, which, says Johnson, still await a production go-ahead.
Elsewhere, the U.S. Army has chosen thermoplastic composite gun barrels for its Future Combat Systems Vehicle (FCSV), following successful testing at its Aberdeen Proving Ground. The new barrels are said to be more accurate than steel barrels and reduce weight by 7.5 percent. Initial barrels are being fabricated at the Army's Watervliet Arsenal, using a special tape-laying machine supplied by Automated Dynamics Corp. (Schenectady, N.Y.). FCSVs are scheduled to begin service in 2008.
The Army is also investigating polymer matrix composites for use on its MP Hybrid concept vehicle. Designated as a dual-use military/commercial platform for nontactical applications at medium speeds, the MP features an all-glass composite body and a removable 5kW auxiliary power unit (APU), designed by Advanced Propulsion Technologies Inc., mounted on a lightweight metal chassis. The civilian version will feature a diesel engine and is intended for campus operations, airport surveillance and other off-highway activities.
