Batelle earns $46.3 million contract to support composites manufacturing
The seven-year contract will help the U.S. DoD support the rapid maturation and integration of manufacturing innovations to produce thermal protection materials and carbon fiber.
Edited by Grace Nehls

Photo Credit: Getty Images
It was reported on Nov. 16 that Battelle (Columbus, Ohio, U.S.) has won a potential seven-year, $46.3 million contract to help the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) support the manufacture of thermal protection materials (TPS) that can withstand extreme hypersonic environments.
Under the DoD, the Manufacturing of Carbon/Carbon Composites for Hypersonic Applications (MOC3HA) initiative seeks to rapidly mature and integrate manufacturing innovations that will accelerate the production of carbon fiber/carbon fiber composites.
The Air Force Research Laboratory received five bids for the Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract and will obligate $6.3 million in fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds at the time of award. Further, Battelle has made key investments including a $1 million capital investment to establish an R&D-scale, high-temperature composite development laboratory focused on improving performance and manufacturability for advanced TPS.
RELATED CONTENT
-
The making of carbon fiber
A look at the process by which precursor becomes carbon fiber through a careful (and mostly proprietary) manipulation of temperature and tension.
-
A hidden revolution: composite rebar gains strength
Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) replacing coated steel in more reinforced-concrete applications.
-
Composite leaf springs: Saving weight in production
Fast-reacting resins and speedier processes are making economical volume manufacturing possible.