Composites Use in Military & Defense

Composites can be used to lightweight defense aircraft and other vehicles, increasing range or allowing higher payloads.

Ultra-high temperature (UHT) composite materials can also be tailored to withstand harsh environments and high temperatures, or to be antiballistic. Research and production of ultra-high temperature (UHT) ceramic matrix composites (CMC), with melting points of 2,500°C (4,532°F) or higher, has ebbed and flowed over the years, following rising and falling demand for applications like hypersonic defense systems and space launch vehicles.

Source: Lockheed Martin expands development, production of ultra-high temp CMCs with facility expansion

New materials cntinue to be developed for use as bullet-proof armor for vehicles, infrastructure and equipment.

Historically, antiballistic material designers have preferred tough but expensive aramids, high-density polyethylenes and the like, passing over conventional E-glass as too brittle to have ballistic stopping power.

Proprietary additives and resin systems have enabled the development of bullet-proof fiberglass materials. 3D weaving of carbon fiber, fiberglass or other composite materials can also help to develop high-strength preforms for use as armor materials or molded panels.

Source: Antiballistics: Better defense, less expense