Lockheed Martin intends to have a prototype Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft in the air by October, just one year after winning the $50 million contract to produce the plane. The design may be roughly based off of a highly modified Dornier 328J regional jet, but made of synthetic fibers, resin and epoxy instead of metal. Where comparable aircraft could be built from up to 4,000 parts, the new aircraft will be made of just 306 parts and benefit from a weight loss of up to 30 percent versus conventional cargo aircraft. The Air Force is hoping that savings could allow heavier payloads, longer range and significant fuel savings while offering a structure more resistant to corrosion and fatigue. Composite materials are not less expensive than metal, but a faster build time, if achieved, will also contribute to an overall reduction in cost. The prototype aircraft will be smaller than the aging C-130 Hercules, but also more nimble and capable of delivering troops to shorter, rougher strips closer to the front lines.
Lockheed Martin’s Composite Transport
Key Takeaways:
- Lockheed Martin is developing an Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft (ACCA) prototype, aiming for flight by October, one year after winning its $50 million contract.
- The ACCA will be constructed from advanced composite materials, significantly reducing the number of parts (306 vs. ~4,000) and achieving up to 30% weight savings compared to conventional aircraft.
- These material advantages are expected to lead to heavier payloads, longer range, significant fuel savings, and a more nimble aircraft capable of delivering troops to shorter, rougher airstrips.
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