Hexcel Corporation, a global leader in advanced composites technology, unveiled a strategic collaboration with A&P Technology in order to work with the AFRL-funded Modeling for Affordable, Sustainable Components (MASC) research program and Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) to develop a methodology for certification of overbraided structures using Hexcel’s IM7 24K fiber and 1078-1 resin system.
By leveraging A&P Technology’s braided reinforcements line of braiding machinery unmatched in size and complexity, it has developed the capability to overbraid large scale aircraft structures at high rate.
Development of composite specifications, design data and a methodology for certification acceptable to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will enable the adoption of this high-performance, low-cost, high-rate preform and part manufacturing by commercial airframe builders and will aid in its adoption into military platforms.
The design of a composite combat drone inlet duct produced by NIAR, A&P Technology, and Fiber Dynamics will be incorporated as the basis for the certification development. The complex curvature of the duct represents the types of aircraft structures that will require a path to FAA certification to take advantage of the high rate of manufacture benefits by overbraiding.
This new innovation of NIAR’s overbraided duct will be represented from September 9-11 in Orlando, Florida at the 2025 Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX), the largest and most comprehensive event for composites and advanced materials in North America.
Executive Statement
According to Lyndon Smith, President, Americas & Global Fibers, Hexcel, their collaboration with A&P Technology represents a significant step forward in delivering critical airworthy composite preforms at high rate. By combining their advanced fiber and resin technology with A&P Technology’s overbraiding expertise, they are enabling the next generation of high-performance military and commercial aircraft structures.