DECATUR — Toray Composite Materials America is increasing the production capacity of a critical component for U.S. military aircraft. The company’s newly upgraded carbon fiber production line in Decatur has already helped to double the output of the material.
The company said its Torayca T1100 carbon fiber will help outfit Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and meet the operational requirements of the program with lightweight, high-strength airframes.
In 2019, Toray began a collaboration with Bell Textron to produce allowable design data for the T1100/3960 prepreg system.
“We’re excited about Toray’s additional fiber production capability as the T1100 carbon fiber will directly support the FLRAA weapon system,” said Vince D’Arienzo, technical fellow of technology and innovation at Bell. “Working collaboratively with Toray on the accessibility of T1100/3960 prepregs, materials utilized for FLRAA’s primary airframe structure, instills confidence in our organization’s ability to meet both our manufacturing and performance objectives.”
The Textron company was awarded the Army’s FLRAA weapon system development contract in 2022. The program will provide combat aviation brigades with unmatched range and speed compared to utility helicopters.
