Palm Bay, FL - Representatives from Lockheed Martin’s Electronics and Missiles division present Matrix Composites Inc with award recognizing exceptional product quality and on-time delivery. As part of Lockheed Martins Preferred Supplier Program (PSP), Matrix has achieved Bronze status and is currently making its way to Silver. These supplier achievement levels rate companies on Quality, Delivery, Responsiveness, and Process Control.

Matrix has been supplying the Orlando, FL-based Apache LONGBOW program with composite sub-assemblies since 1996. Ten components are fabricated by Matrix and are integral parts of the mast-mounted Fire Control Radar (FCR) system. The system flies on Apache helicopters and aids military personnel in target acquisition and battle management.

Carbon fiber sub-components manufactured by Matrix are Resin Transfer Molded (RTM’d) using 3M’s PR500 epoxy resin. This closed-molding process produces parts with two finished surfaces and tightly controlled dimensions eliminating the post-machining associated with autoclave-cured prepreg counterparts. Improved part quality and reduced cost have been realized with this process. Longbow FCR manufacturing is expected to continue through 2007.