New carbon composite materials ready for action
Caparo, a British multinational manufacturer of specialist components for aerospace, marine and vehicle applications, is bringing its advanced lightweight materials and technologies into the military arena. Responding to the need for service vehicles that offer significant weight reduction, greater fuel economy and better emissions performance, Caparo will focus on developing and manufacturing pressings, fabrications, tubes, tube structures, fastening systems and vehicle braking systems using a range of lightweight materials including aluminium, titanium, advanced steels and carbon composites.Leading the drive into the military vehicle market is newly appointed defence development director Colonel Julian Starmer-Smith. “For too long, durability and protection have been excuses for excess weight,” explains Starmer-Smith. “The cost of in-field fuel supplies and the difficulty of delivering fuel to the frontline are just two of many issues that can be addressed using new weight saving technologies. Whichever way you look at it, the whole issue of weight reduction is extremely exciting to field commanders. Caparo has so much to offer the military industry in this and many other areas.” Applications already include ultra-high precision tubular assemblies for the nuclear energy industry, fasteners for British warships and submarines and braking systems for off-road and multi-terrain vehicles. The company is also increasingly involved in the optimisation of COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) vehicles for military applications, developing and manufacturing high durability components that help ensure that they meet the challenges of military service. Complementing its expertise in traditional lightweight materials and fabrications, Caparo has developed a world-leading capability in the production of affordable carbon composite components. “One of the biggest benefits of carbon composites is their ability to absorb large amounts of energy: typically around five to six times more per kilogram than steel and two to three times more than aluminium,” explains Ben Scott-Geddes, Caparo’s engineering director for vehicle technologies. “Climatic compatibility is excellent and fatigue life is longer than for both aluminium and steel. Weight reduction leads to improved performance, reduced running costs, reduced fuel requirement, easier in-field maintenance, improved vehicle agility and the flexibility to offer extra protection or payload. Knock-on effects are also positive, such as reduced costs of logistics for both vehicles and spares.” The appointment of Colonel Starmer-Smith as defence development director is a strategic addition to the already strong team at Caparo, and demonstrates a clear commitment to the defence sector. After 34 years as an artillery officer, Starmer-Smith joined a defence systems consultancy where he developed substantial experience in defence contracts and procurement processes. At Caparo, he will be responsible for growing the business within the Defence industry and liaising with vehicle manufacturers to help them develop more competitive products. A more detailed article about Caparo’s development of lightweight materials for military applications is available from the press agent |
