Palm Bay, FL – Top-level management from Lockheed Martins’ Missiles and Fire Control division were on hand to present Matrix Composites Inc with Silver Level Status in the Preferred Supplier Program.

 

Matrix has been supplying the Orlando, FL-based Apache LONGBOW Radar program with composite sub-assemblies since 1996. Various structural 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.

 

Matrix is considered to be a strategic partner by Lockheed Martin, having maintained a 100% Delivery & Quality rating since the start of the program in 1996.

 

The awards presentation took place at the Palm Bay facility and culminated with enthusiastic speeches from Lockheed’s Frank McManus, Supplier Quality Manager, and Don Hujo, Procurement Director. Charlie Louie, Jr., VP of Quality and Mission Success along with the quality assurance staff from Missiles and Fire Control were also present.

 

Matrix Composites President, David Nesbitt, accepting supplier award

from Mr. Don Hujo, Lockheed Martin Procurement Director

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.

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.

Paris, France – Matrix Composites, Inc. is nominated for the prestigious JEC Award. Nominees are selected based on technical and commercial merit as well as the degree of excellence of the supplier/customer/final user partnership.

 

This year, the international panel of judges selected Matrix’s RTM’d carbon fiber external fixation ring as an award nominee in the Health and Leisure category. These structural elements are part of Stryker Trauma’s TenXor External Fixation System and are used by orthopedic surgeons around the world. The system utilizes carbon fiber elements along with a series of clamps and pins to externally position and hold broken bones for rehabilitation.

 

The use of composites results in improved patient comfort and simplified medical procedures. As rehabilitation can last as long as 6 months, patient comfort is improved through reduced weight. In addition, the medical procedure is simplified as a result of the radioluscent characteristics of the composite elements. The RTM’d rings are transparent to x-rays resulting in a clear and unobstructed view of the bone fracture.

 

Other nominees for this category included Continuum Control Corporation’s “active” tennis racquet and Icotec’s long-fiber reinforced screw for bone surgery. For more information on the JEC Awards go to: http://www.globalcomposites.com/jecshow/jec1.html

Palm Bay, FL – Matrix Composites, Inc. supplies high tolerance optical structures for airborne laser detection and ranging of clear-air turbulance. These structures utilize the latest in composite bonding technologies and materials.