Equipping Soldiers: How Composite Materials Power Modern Defense

Despite the many advances we have seen in military and defense over the last few decades, the difference between success and failure on the battlefield still boils down to the gear soldiers rely on to do what they do. From body armor to the aircraft that provide much-needed support, gear matters. And in 21st-century warfare, two critical components in gear design are durability and weight.

Aluminum and steel were the materials of choice for decades. But as missions became more complex and threats more advanced, it became clear that heavy metals were no longer up to the task. Military and defense contractors began turning to a superior alternative: composite materials.

As a leading composite material supplier, Axiom Materials is at the forefront of the transition away from traditional materials in favor of their composite counterparts. But what are these materials, and why are they showing up more frequently on the modern battlefield?

The ‘Teamwork’ of Composite Designs

Composite materials are manufactured by taking one or more dissimilar materials and combining them to create something with superior properties. The combined materials offer better performance together than they would individually. Therein lies the secret of the composite design. Think of it as material ‘teamwork’.

The advanced composites we specialize in typically comprise some sort of fiber and a matrix that holds the fibers together. Carbon fiber is the perfect example. What consumers understand as carbon fiber is actually a combination of a carbon fabric and an epoxy resin.

Microscopic carbon chains are spun together to create fibers. In turn, those fibers are used to create threads that are weaved into fabrics. A manufacturer lays multiple layers of the fabric in a mold and then impregnates the mold with epoxy. Finally, the entire layup is cured in an autoclave using high heat and pressure. The resulting material is incredibly strong, yet also lightweight.

Separately, the fabric and epoxy would be of little value. But together, they form a super-material that is stronger than steel but at a fraction of the weight.

Materials Perfect for Military Applications

Advanced composites are perfect for military applications. Remember that modern defense combines speed with endurance and protection. Traditional military applications relied on heavy metals that were strong, but they were also heavy and susceptible to corrosion. Composite materials change the game.

1. High Strength-to-Weight Ratios

The strength-to-weight ratio describes how much force a material can withstand relative to its weight. Higher ratios are desired because they dictate more strength with less weight. On the battlefield, a high strength-to-weight ratio is indispensable.

• For the Soldier – Saving weight in body armor, helmets, etc. means allowing a soldier to carry more ammunition, medical supplies, and even water. Less weight also reduces fatigue on long missions.
• For Vehicles and Aircraft – Lighter vehicles and aircraft are more nimble and fuel efficient. They can travel faster and longer with the same amount of fuel. They can even carry heavier payloads, something that really makes a difference in battlefield logistics.

Reducing weight while increasing strength can mean the difference between victory and failure. Given that there is little room for failure on the modern battlefield, a high strength-to-weight ratio is priceless.

2. Superior Durability

Every piece of gear a soldier is equipped with must be able to withstand both harsh battle conditions and the natural environment. As far as vehicles and aircraft are concerned, they have the added impacts of huge temperature swings, intense pressures, and stress.

In every case, composite materials perform better than metals. Composites do not rust. They easily withstand blistering desert heat, freezing mountain altitudes, and salty sea environments.

More advanced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are especially attractive to modern fighter aircraft. They can withstand temperatures that would melt most metals, making them ideal for jet engine and missile heat shield applications.

3. Design Flexibility

Equipping soldiers with composite-based gear is further enhanced by design flexibility. Composites can be molded into the most complex and aerodynamic shapes engineers can conceive. These are shapes that simply would not be possible with steel and aluminum.

Design flexibility allows for aircraft that can absorb radar waves. It allows for more stealthy watercraft. Design flexibility even allows for equipping soldiers with gear that’s actually comfortable to wear.

The Role of the Material Supplier

It is clear that composites are at the heart of modern military and defense manufacturing. But to make it all work, manufacturers need reliable material suppliers capable of producing the right composites for each application. Needless to say that creating military composites is not a one-size-fits-all enterprise.

Composite material suppliers, like Axiom Materials, rely on precision engineering and a deep understanding of the mission at hand. We strive to supply materials and designs that far exceed mission standards.

When a customer relies on us for prepregs, they expect each one to be impregnated with the perfect amount of resin. When they invest in our CMCs, they expect superior heat tolerance. Meeting and exceeding client expectations is in our DNA. It is what we do.

The Future of Military-Grade Composites

While we are fully invested in meeting the unique needs of every customer, we are also looking to the future. That future is evolving right along with technology. It is a future that will rely more heavily on smart composites with embedded sensors and improved self-correcting abilities. We are already seeing some early examples of these smart composites.

Staying ahead of the game is one of the keys to battlefield success. To us, that means continuing to supply composite materials that ensure lightweight, durable, and strong designs. Our customers are relying on us, and other composite material suppliers, to be able to make the gear that will equip our soldiers for battlefield success.

The soldier of tomorrow will be more agile and better protected. He will be more effective as a result. Through it all, advanced composites will continue to play a critical role in design and manufacturing. The better we equip our soldiers, the better they will be at soldiering.

FAQs

Why are composites better for military gear?

While traditional materials are strong, they are also heavy. Composites offer the dual benefits of increased strength and reduced weight.

Can composites protect soldiers against injury?

Specialized fibers, like aramid (Kevlar), actually offer ballistic protection when woven into tight layers. The fibers stop projectiles and spread their energy across a wide area.

Can composites be utilized to build drones?

Weight is the enemy of drone flight. But thanks to composite materials, military drones can stay airborne longer than ever before. Composites also increase battery life.

How do composites contribute to stealth?

Shape is a contributing factor to stealth, or the lack thereof. Composites help improve stealthiness through their ability to be molded into virtually any shape.

Can composite armor be repaired in the field?

While field repairs are challenging, modern defense systems tend to be designed around modular panels. A damaged panel can be swapped out with a new panel pretty quickly.