RED OAK, Texas — Qarbon Aerospace has been awarded a contract to manufacture composite structures for the sustainment of the U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor fleet, marking the company's return to the fifth-generation fighter program that it previously supported during the aircraft's development phase.
During the early 2000s, Qarbon Aerospace produced horizontal stabilizers for the F-22. The company said the new contract builds on its earlier experience, with its composite manufacturing expertise and long-standing relationship with Lockheed Martin supporting the sustainment requirements of the program.
The F-22 Raptor remains one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory. Since production of new F-22 aircraft ended in 2012, maintaining the operational fleet through sustainment, maintenance, repairs, and modernization has become a key focus. Composite materials are an important part of the aircraft's structure, contributing to its performance, strength-to-weight ratio, and low-observable characteristics.
Under the contract, Qarbon Aerospace will manufacture structural composite assemblies to support the long-term sustainment of the operational F-22 fleet. The company stated that its established manufacturing capabilities and experience with advanced composite structures position it to meet the program's technical requirements.
"The F-22 is one of the most capable aircraft ever flown, and we are proud to be manufacturing for the program again," said Michael Canario, Chief Executive Officer of Qarbon Aerospace. "Defense is a core part of who Qarbon is, and we are committed to being the Tier 1 partner the U.S. defense industry counts on for its most advanced programs."
The contract further expands Qarbon Aerospace's defense portfolio. The company has supported U.S. defense programs for decades by producing structures and assemblies for fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and space platforms. It said defense remains a central part of its business strategy, and it continues to invest in additional manufacturing capacity and defense-related opportunities.
Qarbon Aerospace traces its aviation heritage to the Aeroplane Vought Company, established in 1917. Headquartered in Red Oak, Texas, the company specializes in advanced composite components and assemblies for commercial aircraft, military aircraft, spacecraft, and business jet programs.
The company operates nearly two million square feet of manufacturing space across its primary facilities in Red Oak, Texas; Milledgeville, Georgia; and Rayong, Thailand. Its production capabilities range from individual component fabrication to large-scale assembly, supported by proprietary thermoplastics technologies and long-standing relationships with major original equipment manufacturers.
Qarbon Aerospace has contributed to several defense programs, including completed wings for Northrop Grumman's High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) platform, the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine duct, Boeing V-22 Osprey empennage components, and structures for the T-7A Red Hawk trainer.
The new F-22 sustainment contract supports broader U.S. Air Force efforts to maintain fleet readiness through maintenance, upgrades, repairs, and logistics support. Industry partners such as Qarbon Aerospace provide specialized components, including advanced composite structures, that help keep the aircraft operational.
For Qarbon Aerospace, the award aligns with its focus on delivering complex aerostructures for advanced military aircraft while supporting the long-term sustainment requirements of the F-22 Raptor fleet.
Source : finance.yahoo
——— End of Article ———
