Rotorcraft
Alpine Looks To Use Nanocomposites for Helo Parts
The nanocomposite technology Alpine Advanced Materials is using was originally developed by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works.
Samples of parts made using Alpine Advanced Materials’ HX5 nanocomposites and injection-molding manufacturing processes. (Photo: Mariano Rosales)
Samples of parts made using Alpine Advanced Materials’ HX5 nanocomposites and injection-molding manufacturing processes. (Photo: Mariano Rosales)

Alpine Advanced Materials (Booth 6322) is hoping to break into the helicopter industry with its nanocomposite material called HX5, which was originally developed by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works. Alpine president Roger Raley told AIN that HX5 is 50 percent lighter than 6061-T6 aluminum with 93 percent of its tensile strength, making the material useful for a variety of components on rotorcraft, aircraft, and advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles.