Lockheed Martin announced that the F-35 Lightning II aircraft combines structural nanocomposites in non-load bearing airframe units.
F-35 Lightning-II Aircraft
Manager for nanotechnology initiatives, Travis Earles stated that carbon nanotubes have been utilized for manufacturing F-35 wingtip fairings. He added that the CNRP (carbon nanotube reinforced polymer) would replace numerous components in the aircraft’s airframe.
Earles mentioned that carbon nanotubes are being used in non-load bearing units, in order to decrease the certification needs of a structural material. The nanotubes are utilized in various industries, ranging from golf clubs to semiconductors. Earles added that the company has developed a process to substantially reduce the expense of developing nanotube composites for aircraft structures.
The company was chosen by the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop and showcase the X-55 ACCA (advanced composite cargo aircraft). The fuselage of the ACCA was manufactured with a different carbon fiber resin. The development work carried out by the company also benefited the airframe. The company’s energy solutions center in Virginia has displayed the F-35’s wingtip fairing, which was derived using nanotechnology.