The global market for composite materials in the military will reach $966.4 million by 2027. It’s because of the demand for high-performance, lightweight materials in defense programs. Body armor solutions in the military also increasingly need lightweight materials.
Composite technology is a developing field, and the military always looks for new ways to use it. As the technology improves, expect to see more innovative applications. Let’s discuss four of these applications below:
1. Airplanes
Composite materials help in reproducing military equipment like airplanes. It’s because they are more robust and lighter. Planes need these qualities to improve their performance.
They are also more corrosion-resistant, which can extend the lifespan of a plane. One example of a military plane that uses composite materials is the KC-46A Tanker. The plane has composite materials that make it lighter and more fuel-efficient.
Composite molding can help create complex shapes. These shapes can improve the aerodynamic performance of the plane. They also give manufacturers more flexibility in the design of planes.
2. Body Armor
Unlike metal and plastic, composite technology is perfect for the duplicate design of body armor. Its products are strong and lightweight, making them ideal for body armor. As such, they can help to improve the mobility of soldiers wearing body armor.
Unlike metal, carbon fiber composite is not susceptible to corrosion. So it can make the body armor more durable. It can also help protect soldiers from the harsh conditions they may face in combat.
Composite materials are becoming cost-effective and a more affordable option for body armor. You can find them in body armor plates that stop bullets. They are also part of soft armor that stops shrapnel.
Soldiers wear exoskeletal armor to protect them from high-velocity projectiles. Exoskeletal armors have rigid composite materials for this purpose. They help reduce the injuries and deaths caused by bullets and shrapnel.
3. Military Vehicles
Since they are lighter than metal, composite materials can make military vehicles fuel-efficient. They are also more corrosion-resistant than metal, making the vehicles durable. Composite can protect vehicles from the harsh conditions they may face in combat.
In military equipment manufacturing, composite technology offers more flexibility. Military vehicles that use composite materials include Stryker and unmanned aerial vehicles. Another example is the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle that can resist mines and IEDs.
4. Missiles
Composite materials are lighter than metal. So they help improve the range and payload of the missile through reverse engineering. Their strength also helps make the missile more lightweight and more aerodynamic.
The defense forces often use missiles in harsh conditions. Carbon fiber composites can withstand these conditions better than metal. As such, they can help to extend the lifespan of the rocket.
Examples of missiles with composite technology include the Tomahawk cruise and Javelin missiles. The Tomahawk uses composite materials to get lighter, more aerodynamic, and stealthier. Even more, the Javelin lighter is more powerful and more accurate due to the manufactured parts.
Looking for a Reliable Composite Technology Partner?
Composite technology helps make military equipment like planes, body armor, vehicles, and missiles. Unlike metal and plastic, composite materials are stronger, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. These advantages make them perfect for military applications.
If you are looking for a reliable composite manufacturer, SMI Composites is here to help. We work closely with our customers to deliver products that meet their requirements. Contact us today to request a quote or to discuss your project in more detail.
