Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. (Concord, NH), a developer of energy-saving performance materials and component products from carbon nanotubes (CNTs), announced it has been awarded a manufacturing contract from Northrop Grumman under the U.S. Army Manufacturing Technology Program (ManTech).
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Under the contract, Nanocomp will work in partnership with Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems to develop manufacturing best practices for a next generation of CNT cabling and tapes, intended for near-term insertion into aircraft as a replacement for conventional copper-based wires and cables.
The two-year program, entitled the Nanocomposite Connector Partnership, will include configuration and material trade studies to define cable design parameters and replicable manufacturing processes. The end result will be an optimized manufacturing platform designed to produce efficient and cost-effective materials, so that transition and broad-based implementation of carbon nanotube-based conductors can take place, according to the companies.
“Nanocomp’s material quickly stood out as the most advanced carbon nanotube technology on the market that would help us meet the rigorous demands of the ManTech program,” said Dr. Don DiMarzio, IPT leader, emerging concepts of Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “Together, we believe this initiative will result in a true 21st century solution to vastly improve the weight and fuel efficiency of modern aircraft, for sustainable cost and energy savings.”
“While the company’s carbon nanotube technology is increasingly being viewed as a viable alternative to conventional materials in aerospace applications, this program marks a more significant milestone towards delivering a credible fabrication capability for military aviation, at-scale,” said Peter Antoinette, president and CEO of Nanocomp Technologies. “We are thrilled to work with world leading industry partners to take our products beyond their technology promise, creating a meaningful path towards volume production.”
The ManTech Program supports the manufacturing technology needs of the Army’s acquisition community, to enable affordable production and sustainment of future defense systems, as well as affordable transition to new technologies that will enhance the capabilities of current systems.
For additional information, visit www.nanocomptech.com.
