Palm Bay, FL - Matrix Composites, Inc. continues delivery of advanced composite hardware to The New Piper Aircraft Corporation of Vero Beach, Florida. Last year, Matrix was instrumental in the re-design, development, and qualification of composite structures for the Meridian, a six-place single-engine turbo prop now being produced by New Piper.

Fiberglass components originally planned for the Meridian were re-evaluated in an effort to reduce overall vehicle weight. Utilization of state-of-the-art materials and processes coupled with creative composites design has resulted in an estimated weight savings of 26 lbs per aircraft.     

Wheel and Dorsal Fairings, Seat Components, and Air Ducting are fabricated by Matrix Composites at a rate of 4-5 ship sets per week. Other components are currently under development with integration into production aircraft expected by 2002.