Rockledge, FL - Matrix Composites Inc. recently achieved First Article Approval for the manufacture of Insulated Covers used to protect the attachment of the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB) to the Space Shuttle.

 

EMF (Engravers Metal Fabricators of Merritt Island, FL) in conjunction with United Space Alliance and NASA, awarded the primary supplier contract to Matrix Composites, Inc for all the insulated covers for the Space Shuttle program. The vulcanized EPDM rubber cover is a key component that protects the strut holding the SRB to the external tank. The cover protects the attachment hardware for the first 6 minutes of flight, preventing critical components from burning, premature failure and excessive heat damage.

 

EMF, United Space Alliance and NASA re-evaluated previous production experiences with these components in an effort to improve materials, processes and suppliers of the insulated EPDM Covers. Matrix Composites, Inc. was chosen as the supplier, demonstrating extensive experience and manufacturing capabilities in laminating precision composite components for the aerospace and defense industries.

 

Matrix supports a variety of composite manufacturing processes including resin transfer molding, autoclave and oven curing. Matrix’s 27,000 square foot building provides the necessary space to be the complete composite manufacturing and testing facility. The company is staffed with seasoned materials engineers capable of providing the best solution to the most complex composite problems.

Rockledge, FL - Matrix Composites Inc. of Rockledge has been named by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company as an approved source of supply for critical composite structures on the F/A-22 Raptor.

 

This important announcement concludes eight months of test and evaluation by both companies and positions Matrix as one of a few companies  worldwide approved to manufacture resin transfer molded carbon fiber structures and parts for the aircraft.  Already a supplier of distinction for Lockheed Martin, Matrix has been recognized by the aerospace leader as a STAR supplier for providing excellent quality products with top delivery performance.

 

The F/A-22 is being produced for the U.S. Air Force as the world’s only fifth generation fighter aircraft.  Final assembly takes place in Marietta, Georgia with Lockheed Martin, its partners and nearly 1,000 suppliers in 42 states having delivered 40 aircraft of the 83 presently on order.

 

Matrix Composites Incorporated has been providing quality composites since 1993 and is a proven source of precision composite structures for the aviation, medical, and space industries.

 

 

for Additional Information Contact:    Mr. David Nesbitt

Matrix Composites Inc.

275 Barnes Blvd.

Rockledge, Florida 32955

321 633 4480 Tel

or See Our Web Site:         

www.matrixcomp.com

Rockledge, FL - At a recent award ceremony, Matrix Composites Incorporated was recognized as one of Lockheed Martin’s top performing suppliers. Representatives from Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control Division were joined by Corporate Representatives and the Defense Contract Management Agency for presentation of the award.

 

The prestigious award is made only to Lockheed Martin suppliers who distinguish themselves by meeting some of the most stringent performance criteria in the aerospace industry.

 

To achieve this level, Matrix has maintained a 100% Quality and 100% Delivery rating with Lockheed Martin since 1996 delivering in excess of 8,000 composite assemblies. Additionally, the Company met the established criteria for Lockheed’s Supplier Performance Evaluation metric that evaluates Quality, Delivery, Affordability, and Business Management. Of the 60,600 suppliers to Lockheed Martin, only 1 percent achieve STAR Supplier status.

 

Dennis Badzinski, Lou Pereira, David Nesbitt, Ken Swarner,

Mike Bush, Steve Session, Cheryl Comstock, Frank McManus

 

The awards presentation took place at the 27,000 Sq Ft Rockledge, Florida facility and was joined by local dignitaries including Rockledge City Manager, James McKnight and the Honorable Mike Haridopolos from the Florida House of Representatives.

Key West, FL - HydroSail, Inc. launches innovative sailing hydrofoil with critical structures built by Matrix Composites of Rockledge, Florida. The unique craft utilizes underwater “wings” that lift the boat’s hulls out of the water eliminating wave making drag. When “flying”, the boat will achieve speeds in excess of 40 mph.

 

Matrix Composites fabricated the highly-loaded “T” foils employing state-of-the-art materials and processes. The “T” foils measure 13′ tall with a horizontal wing span of 8′ and weigh in at 320 lbs each. Due to the extreme load conditions, uni-directional M30J carbon fiber prepreg was utilized to achieve the required laminate properties. The epoxy prepreg materials were supplied by the Advanced Composite Group of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and offered the processing characteristics needed for parts of this magnitude.

 

40′ SCAT Hydrofoil - USA Entry for 2004 Trans-Atlantic OSTAR Race

Rockledge, FL - Matrix Composites Inc relocates its Palm Bay, Florida facility 20 miles north to Rockledge, Florida. The newly acquired facility, formally Harris Space Systems, boasts 27,000 square feet of controlled manufacturing space. The building is well equiped to support all phases of composites manufacturing and includes segregated clean rooms, controlled test laboratory, and material storage areas. Additionally, there is more than 5,000 s.f. of office space for engineering, management and administrative functions.

 

Rockledge is located within Florida’s “High Tech Corridor” and is just 45 minutes from the Orlando International Airport.

 

The New Address is:

 

Matrix Composites Incorporated

275 Barnes Boulevard

Rockledge, Florida 32955

 

Area Links:

 

Brevard County Website

www.brevardcounty.com

 

Space Coast Economic Development Council

www.SpaceCoastEDC.org