Aerospace Assembly

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A new technique for ultrasonic welding could eliminate the need for energy directors with fiber-reinforced plastics.

SANTA MATEO, CA—Alef Aeronautics Inc. has received a Special Airworthiness Certification for its flying car from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

BETHESDA, MD—Lockheed Martin Corp. and Sintavia LLC, are collaborating to expand research on metal additive manufacturing as an alternative to castings and forgings. Additive manufacturing has the capability to improve efficiencies in existing castings and forgings supply chains, and provide parts with a higher level of detail and greater design opportunities.

STRATFORD, CT—The U.S. Navy has approved full-rate production of the Sikorsky CH-53K helicopter, a decision that is expected to increase production to more than 20 helicopters annually in the coming years. Sikorsky is procuring long-lead items and critical materials to support building full rate production CH-53K helicopters in its digital factory.

MALTA, NY—Lockheed Martin and GlobalFoundries (GF) are collaborating to advance U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and innovation and to increase the security, reliability and resiliency of domestic supply chains for national security systems. 

TORONTO—Lockheed Martin recently completed a project to evaluate the automation of airframe manufacturing operations using six-axis robots equipped with artificial intelligence technology from Canadian tech startup Xaba.

Titanium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal. It’s as strong as some steels, but 45 percent lighter. Titanium is also prized for its corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, crack resistance, and ability to withstand moderately high temperatures without creeping.

Missiles are the premier weapon of modern warfare. According to consulting firm Polaris Market Research, global sales of rockets and missiles are expected to increase from $58.3 billion in 2021 to $73.8 billion in 2026, growing at a cumulative annual rate of 4.8 percent.

The electric aircraft market is still in its infancy, but that hasn't stopped an ambitious group of innovators from developing a leaner, greener future of flight.

SEOUL—Hyundai Motor Group and a coalition of aerospace partners has started building a prototype for an autonomous vehicle to explore the surface of the moon.