Fixed Wing Manned Aircraft
At APEX Space & Defense Systems, we produce high-performance composite components for fixed-wing aircraft, including fighter jets, trainer aircraft, bombers, transports and ISR platforms. Using industry-leading design and manufacturing technology, our engineers craft radomes, control surface seals, fairings, ECS ducting and inlets, and other composite solutions that meet the unique requirements of fixed-wing aircraft. Our products are found on almost the entire USAF, USN and USM fleets. Whether you need initial design support or full production services, APEX can provide top-quality composite components customized for your fixed-wing aircraft.
Composite Components and System Solutions for Fixed Wing Aircraft
- Surface Seals: Designed to maximize efficiency and performance, our composite surface seals help maintain optimal aerodynamics in fighter aircraft. These seals are hand laid up with precision and then machined with our special 5 axis CNC machines that can meet the tight tolerances required by our customer specifications. We use the same CNC equipment as the OEM/airframer to ensure that our products meet the exact dimensions required for flight.
- ISR Nose Cones & Belly Pods: Our solutions are instrumental for structural and aerodynamic performance of the aircraft. These are some of the larger products we manufacture as we’ve supported everything from business aircraft, to fighter jets and commercial derivative, military surveillance aircraft. Using a combination of honeycomb core, prepregs, RF and lightning strike materials, ISR Radomes are critical aircraft components.
- Fairings: We manufacture fuselage and surface fairings for a multitude of aircraft to improve flow, reduce drag and to close out gaps and junctions on aircraft. Our solutions are found on new electric aircraft, turboprops, transport and fighter aircraft.
- Brackets, Shims, and Spacers: Our composite brackets, shims, and spacers are engineered to be exceptionally lightweight yet strong. These components support a range of fixed-wing applications for seamless integration with existing systems and can be customized to meet nearly any requirement.
- Environmental Control System Components: We develop advanced composite components for Environmental Control Systems (ECS), including custom ducting, plenums, silicone bellows, inlets, and more. Our solutions integrate into new or existing systems to optimize thermal regulation, improve energy efficiency, and enhance overall system performance in fixed-wing aircraft.
- Helmet Electronic Enclosures: APEX manufactures elite-performance helmet visors for fighter jets. These visors are engineered for ultimate performance for fighter pilots without exception. We machine a hand laid up thin carbon composite component to exact dimensions and then assemble in compression molded stiffeners techniques to achieve an extremely light weight, tight tolerance assembly that electronics can be mounted to. The final product is a light weight helmet that provides the pilot exception situation awareness in the cockpit.
- Secondary Structures: We produce robust secondary structural components that provide rigid support without adding unnecessary weight. Our secondary structures deliver reliable performance and maintain each aircraft's structural integrity under varying flight conditions.
Why Partner With APEX for Your Fixed Wings Aircraft Composite Components?
At APEX, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality, performance-driven solutions. Our capabilities in the Space and Defense sectors are trusted by numerous OEMs and Tier 1 companies who choose us as their direct supplier. We also have extensive experience in government and sole-source contracting. With a full range of industry-leading machining capabilities, we produce precisely crafted components that meet the strictest space and defense requirements. Our capabilities include:
- Innovative Design Solutions: Have an idea or design concept, but not sure how to make it a reality? APEX can bring your concept to life with our design and development services.
- Advanced Engineering: Leveraging state-of-the-art tools and decades of expertise, we optimize every component for maximum performance.
- Precision Manufacturing Capabilities: Our cutting-edge equipment produces accuracy and quality with exacting precision, including 5-axis Gantry Routers, CNC Milling Machines, Waterjet Cutting Machines, and more.
- Quality Assurance: Each product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the standards of the aerospace sector. With full certification and accreditation for space and defense manufacturing, you can always rely on superior quality with APEX.
Contact us today to learn how our fixed-wing composite manufacturing capabilities can serve your project. For all your custom composite component requirements, choose APEX.