Matrix Composites, an ITT Inc. company, announced that its trademarked closed molding process, Hot Isostatic Resin Pressure Molding (HiRPM), is qualified on Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning program. In addition, HiRPM is now the established manufacturing process for all future F-35 aircraft and is used on select parts within the aircraft's horizontal tail assembly. Airframe components produced with this innovative process flew for the first time in 2019.
Matrix Composites' HiPRM technology is a state-of-the-art molding process for advanced composite materials and offers very specific benefits over more traditional autoclave manufacturing typically used in aerospace and defense. HiPRM is designed for composite manufacturers of smaller and more intricate structures like critical edges, spars, and control surfaces. The company's past performance on the F-22 Raptor and 26-year heritage in specialised composite processing led Lockheed Martin to select Matrix Composites to field closed molding technologies on the F-35 program.
"Our process is ideally suited for small intricate parts requiring high dimensional accuracy. We're proud to help Lockheed Martin deliver a more effective and efficiently engineered F-35 aircraft," said David Nesbitt, Executive Director Business Development, Matrix Composites.
As a key supplier to the F-35 program, the Matrix Composites team worked with Lockheed Martin to create the company's variant of a controlled-volume-molding (CVM) process.
- Benefits of the HiRPM process include:
- High part-to-part dimensional repeatability
- Reduced manufacturing cycle times with increased production yield
- Reduces the need for expensive post-machining and other next-level assembly operations and recurring manufacturing costs
"At ITT, we stand as a committed partner in moving the aviation industry forward. Our strategic alignment of brands and products offers aerospace and defense customers a deep portfolio of innovative connect and control solutions," said Farrokh Batliwala, President of ITT's Connect and Control Technologies business. "We're proud to partner with Lockheed Martin to improve the performance and affordability of the F-35 program."
Contact details from our directory: | |
Matrix Composites, Inc. | Tooling, Metal & Alloy Fabrications, Composite Testing Services, Composite Manufacturing Services, Composite Design Consultants |
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company | Airframer |
Related aircraft programs: |
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II |
Related directory sectors: |
Composites |
Weekly news by email:
See the latest Bulletin, and sign up free‑of‑charge for future editions.
STOL variant P2012 achieves EASA certification
Kite Magnetics unveils ultra-high efficiency propeller for electric aircraft
Sweden calls on GKN for future fighter propulsion concepts
Construction begins on Boeing MQ-28 production facility in Queensland