Aerospace Applications
F-15
Our Boron-epoxy prepreg is on the horizonal and vertical stabilizers and the rudder of the F-15 Eagle, which resulted in a 22% weight savings. Verticals and rudders are replaced due to fatigue limitations on titanium frames and in-service damage. Boron skins of vertical are net molded to titanium frames
Seahawk Helicopter
Boron-epoxy composites are used on the rotor blades of the SH-60 Helicopter.
B-1B Bomber
Our Boron-Epoxy composite material is used for the dorsal longeron on the B1-B Lancer. Boron’s high compression strength and stiffness allowed for reduced weight in the stabilizers.
Predator B Drone
Gen 1 Hy-Bor® composite material is used on the spar caps of the Predator Drone. Hy-Bor’s high compression strength, stiffness and compression after impact (CAI) properties allowed for reduced plies in the spar caps. This subsequently reduced the weight of the part and the number of manufacturing steps.
HY-BOR® STRUCTURAL ENHANCEMENT TO WING SPAR
Hy-Bor®, a combination of boron and carbon, allows designers the opportunity to improve the compressive properties of carbon composites. This schematic details the addition of discrete plies of Hy-Bor® within an aircraft wing spar allowing for increased payload due to improved compressive properties and lower structural weight. Up to 25% of the carbon plies have been eliminated with the use of Hy-Bor®. Additional benefits include the reduced labor costs with fewer plies, and improved open-hole compression strength around attachment holes.
| Aircraft | Manufacturer | Material | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| F15 Fighter | Boeing | Boron/Epoxy | Horizontal and vertical tailskins rudder |
| F14 Fighter | Grumman Aerospace Corp. | Boron/Epoxy | Horizontal tail skins |
| B1 Bomber | Rockwell International | Boron/Epoxy | Dorsal Longeron |
| Blackhawk Sea Stallion Helicopter | Sikorsky | Boron/Epoxy | Rotor Blades & Stabilator |
| Predator B Drone | General Atomics | Boron/Graphite Epoxy | Top Beam Cap |
| Space Shuttle | Rockwell International | Boron/Al Boron/Epoxy | Structural tubes & engine thrust mounts |
| Aircraft repair - Military & Commercial B52, C130, F4, F5, F111, Boeing 727, 747, 757, MD-11 | Various | Boron/Epoxy | Repair of Aircraft Structures |