Press Releases

June 16, 2006

Fibraplex delivers prototype for new missile guidance product.

Fibraplex Corp. of Celina, TN has been working under subcontract with Smart Materials Sarasota, FL and Zona Technologies of Scottsdale, AZ on an Army Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant to develop a new method for steering missiles. The concept is to use newly developed piezo-electric devices, which expand and contract when voltage is applied, to curve the body of the missile in order to guide it. Fibraplex was responsible for fabrication of the high temperature advanced composite body and for assembly of the prototype. The prototype will be tested by the Army in a hypersonic shock-tube facility (a very high speed wind tunnel).

Fibraplex is also working with other companies on two other Air Force SBIR’s. One program which is now in Phase Two is to develop materials and processes for repair of bismaleimide (BMI) composite structures.  The Air Force’s two newest fighter aircraft, the F-22 Raptor (or Advanced Tactical Fighter) and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, are largely made from high-temperature carbon-fiber/BMI composite material. This advanced material is lighter than aluminum while being stronger and stiffer, and can withstand the high temperatures associated with supersonic flight. However, when these composite parts are manufactured they are processed at temperatures and pressures that cannot be tolerated by the assembled structures.

Fibraplex has developed new polymers that can be processed at lower temperature and pressure but have the strength and temperature resistance to make successful repairs to damaged composite structures.