Materion metal matrix composites are selected for FLRAA prototypes

Global advanced materials solutions company Materion Corp. (Mayfield Heights, Ohio, U.S.) is to supply its SupremEX metal matrix composite (MMC) materials for components on U.S. Army Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) prototypes. The composite was selected by Bell Textron Inc. (Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.), a Textron Inc. company, which designed the FLRAA configuration and will build the prototypes. The new tiltrotor model can reach greater speeds and carry increased payloads of troops and equipment, reaching battlefields faster and at farther ranges.

“We look forward to working with Bell to equip the U.S. Army with a new aircraft design that provides greater reach and capability,” states Clive Grannum, president of performance materials at Materion. “FLRAA will play a vital role in U.S. Army operations, and SupremEX composites will help enable greater capabilities in operation. These composites reduce weight while maintaining their high-strength properties for long-term reliability.”

With a product portfolio that includes high-strength specialty alloys, MMCs and thin film coatings, Materion’s advanced materials address a wide range of technical demands in defense and aerospace applications. 

This material is based upon work supported by the Army Contracting Command - Redstone Arsenal under Contract No. W58RGZ-23-C-0001. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Army Contracting Command - Redstone Arsenal.