Composite Aluminum Aircraft Matting for High-Temperature Applications

ABSTRACT: Keystone is proposing to develop and demonstrate prototype manufacturing methods for aircraft landing matting for high-temperature applications. Specifically, Keystone is proposing to select and recommend materials and manufacturing methods for producing high-temperature airfield matting to replace and/or complement conventional AM-2 matting. Task 1 of the four task Phase I project will, in conjunction with the Air Force TPOC, establish an initial set of requirements for high-temperature AM-2 matting while the second task will select and recommend specific high-temperature materials and manufacturing methods with the capability of meeting the Task 1 requirements. The third task will complete an initial Value Stream Analysis of the envisioned manufacturing process from which a cost model will be constructed to estimate the affordability of the recommended high-temperature matting. The last task of the project will provide program mamangement and reporting per CDRL's and a roadmap or plan for an envisioned Phase II project to construct and evaluate high-temperature airfield matting. BENEFIT: Military application: The material will be used for parking ramps and expeditionary landing pads for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Also applicable to aircraft structures. Commercial application: Industrial processes where a lightweight, high-strength material is required for high-temperature environments (aircraft, matting, bridges, and architectural construction).