Category Archive: News

Epsilon Launch Vehicle

Intending to achieve the most compact launch, The Epsilon Launch Vehicle is a solid-fuel rocket specially engineered to bring space access to the public. Developed by IHI AEROSPACE Co., Ltd. under close supervision of the National Research and Development Agency and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the innovative design cuts costs, improves construction speed, and enhances reliability.

JAXA sought to achieve several objectives with the Epsilon Launch Vehicle. The main goals were to streamline assembly and inspection and to improve the entire launch system. The design incorporates technologies from the M-V and H-IIA rockets, saving time during the engineering process and reducing development costs. The Epsilon also comes with a superior design that helps reduce vibration and noise and absorb shocks during satellite separation, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable ride. It is also worth noting that all four Epsilon vehicles have been successively launched from the Uchinoura Space Center.

The Epsilon Launch Vehicle implements innovation at every design level, down to equipment and operation. This has revolutionized the launch operation, as the mobile control can complete the launch with only a few operators and a personal computer. The launch vehicle uses an advanced automatic checkout system to reduce the risks associated with human error and increase flexibility. 

Aerospace Fasteners

Due to the high precision and durability required of aerospace components, vendors that specialize in different aircraft parts produce the respective parts to ensure top-tier quality and performance. With over three decades of experience in the manufacture of aircraft fasteners, Aerospace Manufacturing was selected as a supplier of bolts and fasteners for the Epsilon project. Our aircraft fasteners facilitate the joining of major structural elements of the launch vehicle, providing accuracy, precision, and reliable mechanical properties. The aviation industry has, over the years, kept up with the rapidly changing technology, necessitating the manufacture of more efficient and highly durable aerospace fasteners. Our skill and experience in the aerospace fasteners industry have positioned us as trusted experts in the field. 

Characteristics/Benefits of Aerospace Fasteners

Aerospace fasteners are subjected to a variety of harsh conditions. Our fasteners possess the following characteristics that enable them to withstand the demanding environments of aerospace applications:

  • Highly corrosion and oxidation resistant
  • Can withstand extreme pressures and temperatures
  • Bolted connections allow for easy assembly and disassembly
  • Self-sealing and self-locking capabilities
  • High tensile, shear, and fatigue strength
  • Lightweight design

Materials 

We use the following materials to construct aerospace fasteners:

  • Superalloys: Titanium 6-4 and 6-6, A-286, Waspaloy™, Inconel, H-11, 17-4PH, 15-5PH, MP35N™, 13-8MO, and Monel 400 and 500
  • Alloy Steel: 4140, 4340, 8740, and more
  • Stainless Steel: 300 and 400 series

Superalloys are used in the aerospace industry for their ability to withstand extreme pressure and temperature conditions. 

Choose Aerospace Manufacturing

At Aerospace Manufacturing (AMI), we produce top-quality, high-temperature aerospace and military fasteners within close tolerances, such as aerospace bolts, screws, pins, studs, and threaded rods. Our on-site testing capabilities allow us to perform all necessary quality assurance tests in a modern, climate-controlled testing facility and our vertically integrated facility allows to manufacture parts quickly and on-time

Aerospace fasteners are a critical part of any aircraft, increasing safety and reliability. Aerospace Manufacturing specializes in these high strength, close tolerance aerospace parts. You can rely on AMI for rapid delivery and short lead times. Contact us today or call us at 973-472-2300 to book a free consultation.

About Aerospace Manufacturing

AMI is an AS9100D:2016 and ISO:9001 accredited, vertically integrated manufacturer of high strength, close tolerance aerospace pins, bolts, threaded rods, studs, screws, and built-to-print specials. Our clientele includes industry-leading OEMs like Boeing, Bombardier, DLA, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Sikorsky.

We are a Philips Screw licensee that specializes in both large and small runs. Whether you need a prototype or large runs for your assembly line, you can rely on AMI for rapid delivery and short lead-times.

 

Dassault’s 10X Falcon: A Futuristic Business Jet With All the Bells and Whistles

With high-speed, long-range flying capability and a supersized cabin, the Falcon 10X will have fighter jet safety features.
 On May 6, 2021, Dassault Aviation introduced its stunning Falcon 10X business jet. This ultra-smooth aircraft is set to deliver unparalleled levels of comfort, safety, technology, and versatility.
The purpose-built business jet has a range of 7,500 nautical miles. With a top speed of Mach 0.925, it will take you nonstop from New York to Shanghai, Paris to Santiago, and Los Angeles to Sydney in what might feel like the blink of an eye.
 “The Falcon 10X will offer an unrivaled passenger experience over both short- and long-duration flights, along with breakthrough safety features from Dassault’s frontline fighter technology,” said Dassault Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier.
This luxury craft will be airborne by the end of 2025, and it will take cabin modularity to unprecedented levels. A refreshingly roomy and spacious cabin offers an infinity of design possibilities and layout configurations. When it comes to modularity, no other aircraft can come close.
The large interior can accommodate four-cabin zones of equal size. Owners can choose from a variety of design layouts or create customized interiors to precisely meet their needs.
Not only will the 10X represent next-level business aviation, but it will also be the best business jet in the long-range category. The Falcon offers what other business jets can only hope to achieve with a cabin cross-section taller and broader than the highest purpose-built business jet.
Thanks to a sophisticated filtration system, cabin air will be 100 percent pure. With a quiet factor that exceeds even that of the Falcon 8X, the 10X will assume the role of the quietest business jet in the air. The newly designed fuselage and 38 expansive windows give the Falcon the brightest cabin in aviation history.
Designed explicitly for speed and efficiency, the 10X has a high aspect ratio wing equipped with advanced retractable high-lift devices that allow for superior maneuverability at low approach speeds. Carbon fiber composites in the high-speed wing reduce weight, minimize drag and maximize strength.
The in-development Rolls-Royce Pearl® 10X, business aviation’s most advanced and efficient engine, will power the twin-engine Falcon. With 18,000 of thrust, this engine promises to be the largest and most powerful representative of the Pearl series so far.
This flying machine has a knock-your-socks-off flight deck, and the cockpit is loaded with touch screens and futuristic features.
The striking digital flight control panel features a next-generation Digital Flight Control System. The configuration used for the Falcon comes straight from Dassault’s latest military technology.
You can expect a business jet with remarkable precision, an exceptionally high safety standard, and a single-button recovery mode.
An intelligent throttle will connect both engines to the Digital Flight Control System and serve as the primary control mechanism. It will automatically adjust engine output in response to real-time conditions.
Dassault has developed a ground-breaking FalconEye® combined vision system. This is the first craft of its kind with both enhanced and synthetic vision.
In combination with dual HUDs that can serve as primary flight displays, the Falcon can safely fly with essentially zero visibility.
 “We have set the bar for our new Falcon incredibly high,” says Trappier. “But I can confidently say that we have put this aircraft at the top of the market.”
 Procure Aerospace Fasteners from AMI
AMI is an AS9100 and ISO:9001 accredited, vertically integrated manufacturer of high strength, close tolerance aerospace pins, bolts, threaded rods, studs, screws, and built-to-print specials. Our clientele includes industry-leading OEMs like Boeing, Bombardier, DLA, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Sikorsky.
We are a Philips Screw licensee that specializes in both large and small runs. Whether you need a prototype or large runs for your assembly line, you can rely on AMI for rapid delivery and short lead times.
Search our expansive inventory or launch your Custom Quote today!

Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) : Navy has revealed a first look at its new fighter jet

Here’s What We Learned About the US Navy’s Sixth Generation Fighting Jet

The US Navy’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program has recently released updated information about the Navy’s state-of-the-art sixth-generation fighter jet.  At Aerospace Manufacturing, we design and manufacturer Navy fasteners as well as work hand in hand on engineering projects so this innovation piqued our curiosity.  Read on for a review of this amazing technology.

The futuristic combat flyer is known as the F/A-XX. These high-tech marvels will replace the Navy’s existing swarm of F/A-18 Super Hornets.

Greg Harris heads up the Chief of Naval Operation’s Air Warfare Directorate. He believes that the new planes will most likely be manned. Nevertheless, the NGAD program itself will be comprised of manned as well as unmanned platforms.

The US Navy NGAD program is fundamentally different from the US Air Force NGAD program. The Air Force is currently working on its F-22 replacement. A recent report included an artistic and conceptual rendition of the latest Air Force contender.

Harris has espoused that NGAD is a family of smaller, separate systems grouped under an extensive umbrella program. The F/A-XX is the star of the show in the fixed-wing portion of the NGAD family of systems.

Further, the Navy sees its NGAD program as more than just one fighter plane. As unmanned teams come online, they will be joined by and integrated with staffed teams to produce outcomes that neither team could accomplish alone.

The program, which the Navy euphemistically calls its “little buddy,” could act as an adjunct air-to-air platform or as an adjunct electronic warfare platform. An adjunct advanced early warning platform is also being considered.

It’s time to replace the E-2D (Advanced Hawkeye), Harris points out in recent statements,  so they are wondering how to replace it.

Although the Air Force uses F/A-XX when referring to the F/A-18 E/F replacement, it uses NGAD when referring to the more prominent family of systems as a whole.

The Navy has divided the NGAD program into two phases. The first phase will involve implementing the replacement for the Super Hornets. The second phase will be to perform a follow-up assessment of the EA-18G Growler.

According to Harris, “We’re going through the study portions of what Inc two will be to replace the EA-18G Growler. And we expect that that family of systems will be a combination of manned and unmanned. flyers.”

At one end, the Navy is looking for an air wing with a 40/60 split between unmanned and staffed teams, Harris explains. At the other end, he says, they’re shooting for a 60/40 split between unmanned and staffed teams. Harris adds that they want an air wing of 50 percent or more unmanned flights over time.

The NGAD program is currently in the concept refinement stage. During this process, the Navy works closely with teams of top industry partners to evaluate the latest technologies.

Many of these technologies are being considered to help with the development of unmanned flights. After a thorough investigation, informed assessments will be made about what’s realistic, possible, and not.

The Navy is looking at whether artificial intelligence is sufficiently evolved for its purposes. Can it be installed inside an unmanned platform? There’s also the current state of autonomy to consider. We’re looking at that, too, he adds.

The Navy will have a better understanding of whether or not the Navy will replace the Super Hornets with an unmanned fighter over the next few years.

Can these systems perform well in air-to-air warfare? That’s the question. “Air-to-air” warfare is one of, if not the most, complex ones to try to put into autonomy. In other words, we’ll have to wait and see.

Procure Aerospace Fasteners from AMI
AMI is an AS9100 and ISO:9001 accredited, vertically integrated manufacturer of high strength, close tolerance aerospace pins, bolts, threaded rods, studs, screws, and built-to-print specials. Our clientele includes industry-leading OEMs like Boeing, Bombardier, DLA, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Sikorsky.

We are a Philips Screw licensee that specializes in both large and small runs. Whether you need a prototype or large runs for your assembly line, you can rely on AMI for rapid delivery and short lead times.

Search our expansive inventory or launch your Custom Quote today!

Airbus Set to Introduce New Narrow Body Cabin Design

Game-Changing Events at Airbus

Exciting developments are happening on the aerospace front, and Airbus, the world’s largest airliner manufacturer, spearheads these efforts. Eager to revolutionize their Airspace cabin, Airbus developed a cutting-edge narrow-body design to add to their A320 family. JetBlue will be the first airline to showcase this incredible innovation once Airbus conducts a few final tests. Airbus currently measures noise levels in the cabin while honing this updated layout’s inner workings to ensure optimal quality.

Offering All The Bells And Whistles

Though Airbus is predicted to make some adjustments to their design, these minor changes won’t detract from the cabin’s coveted upgrades. Equipped with customizable LED lighting, the new format will exude an ultramodern essence. Passengers can also expect significant improvements to the lavatories. Airbus has thoughtfully added touchless features and antimicrobial coatings to the cabin’s facilities, promoting an overall cleanlier experience.

Modifications have also been made to the overhead bins and windows. More specifically, Airbus has allowed for more storage space and tweaked the window design to bring in more light. Adding more intrigue to the new narrow-body design are the sleek window shades. To encourage cozier in-flight travel, Airbus drew inspiration from their A350 aircraft. In other words, they’ve reworked the cabin’s walls to provide more shoulder space. Even the entrance has been modernized, making it more straightforward for passengers and the crew to enter and exit the aircraft.

How Airbus Is Upholding Their Core Values

Airbus is driven by comfort, ambiance, service, and design, which is why this aerospace company is making ongoing attempts to enhance the passenger experience. Airbus has been so committed to rolling out a flawless model that it’s taken them four years to craft their all-new narrow-body cabin design. This state-of-the-art project has been in the works since Airbus launched their A320 program in 2017.

A Look At The Remaining Timeline

Fortunately, Airbus is well on its way to introducing its latest creation. With the initial testing phase already over, all that’s left is to see how the updated design performs in the air. According to Michael Willmer, a technical leader at Airbus, the company is pulling out all the stops to guarantee proper in-flight testing. To analyze the aircraft’s performance, special sensors and cameras were used during flight-testing. Barring any safety issues, JetBlue’s fleet will have the honor of debuting the new A320 cabin.

This year, JetBlue is prepared to add 15 new planes to its fleet. However, the airline won’t be welcoming any A320s. With that said, the cabin will be retrofit to its current fleet. Fortunately, this will allow the older planes to match the standards of the incoming deliveries. With a fair amount of travel restrictions being lifted, JetBlue is keen to see how leisure travelers will respond to the cabin’s contemporary and user-friendly additions.

Procure Aerospace Fasteners from AMI
AMI is an AS9100 and ISO:9001 accredited, vertically integrated manufacturer of high strength, close tolerance aerospace pins, bolts, threaded rods, studs, screws, and built-to-print specials. Our clientele includes industry-leading OEMs like Boeing, Bombardier, DLA, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Sikorsky.
We are a Philips Screw licensee that specializes in both large and small runs. Whether you need a prototype or large runs for your assembly line, you can rely on AMI for rapid delivery and short lead-times.
Search our expansive inventory or launch your Custom Quote today!

How The Future Of Aerospace Hinges On R&D Investments

The Future Of Aerospace is Bright

Over the last year, we’ve all endured significant hardship, uncertainty, and misfortune. Though coronavirus has undoubtedly overstayed its welcome, scientists and medical professionals are working hard to give it the boot. Fortunately, this is giving us hope that normalcy is on the horizon. Even still, COVID-19 has left a trail of irreparable damage in its wake, devastating businesses, communities, and economies alike. The aerospace industry, in particular, has been ravaged by the pandemic.

Before COVID-19 had us under its contagious thumb, the aerospace industry was prepared to roll out tremendous developments. More specifically, R & D investment in aerospace was going towards advanced technologies, increased manufacturing, and next-generation systems. With these investments, advancements were slated for rapid completion. Unfortunately, coronavirus saw a different future in its crystal ball.

Commercial aviation, for instance, saw a steady decline at the start of the pandemic. Within the first few months, passenger volume fell by 90 percent. These figures stayed on a downward trajectory, prompting aerospace supply chain entities to spring into action. To combat growing unemployment rates and to contain costs, these operations moved quickly and aggressively. Despite these efforts, suppliers have reduced R&D investments and have even shut down their research departments.

This reality doesn’t bode well for the launch timing of future aircraft. In 2019, the aviation industry developed several cutting-edge innovations. From automating inspections to reducing layup times, numerous state-of-the-art changes were being introduced. With the aerospace industry seemingly stagnant, experts fear that these technologies won’t mature well. Only through financial recovery will this equipment stand a chance.

However, this recovery period is only in its infancy. For the aerospace industry to return to its pre-pandemic state, people need to start flying again. While airlines are making noble attempts to keep passengers safe, many aren’t willing to put their health at risk. For safety reasons, airlines are limiting onboard interactions and taking increased measures to disinfect all surfaces. Even with these added precautions, individuals aren’t as keen to travel.

As a result, the airline industry continues to plunge, creating fewer jobs and less income. With more vaccines being approved, experts have faith that people will soon return to the skies. Until then, companies are being urged to invest in the developments that are happening in aerospace. After all, businesses that have taken a vested interest in innovation during economic slowdowns have been better equipped to capitalize on recovering markets. Urban air mobility, space, and defense are still investing, making these sectors ripe for the picking.

In essence, aerospace’s future looks bright, but it pales compared to what the industry experienced before coronavirus. Authorities maintain that the underway pre-pandemic efforts can still be realized through R & D investment in aerospace. Resuming this funding won’t happen immediately, but these investments are critical to post-pandemic growth. As we continue to live through this unceasing health crisis, only time will tell how aggressive financing will impact the aerospace realm.


Procure Aerospace Fasteners from AMI

AMI is an AS9100 and ISO:9001 accredited, vertically integrated manufacturer of high strength, close tolerance aerospace pins, bolts, threaded rods, studs, screws, and built-to-print specials.

Our clientele includes industry-leading OEMs like Boeing, Bombardier, DLA, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Sikorsky.

We are a Philips Screw licensee that specializes in both large and small runs. Whether you need a prototype or large runs for your assembly line, you can rely on AMI for rapid delivery and short lead times.

Search our expansive inventory or launch your Custom Quote today!

AMI’s Good Friday Hours // CLOSED

We wish you and your family a safe and healthy holiday weekend.

Our office will be closed in observance of Good Friday so that our team members can enjoy extra time with their loved ones.

We will reopen Monday, 4/10 under normal business hours. Please feel free to email us at AEROSPACE@AERO-SPACE.US if you need any assistance.

Wrong Bolts Installed on F-35 Combat Jets, You Say?

Wrong Bolts Installed on F-35 Combat Jets, You Say?

The bad news is that the multiple F-35 single-engine combat aircraft used by the United States Military is equipped with the wrong fasteners in certain parts of the planes. The good news is that their manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, has announced that it likely won’t be necessary to swap out the fasteners with the correct ones.

Different Materials

The plane’s design calls for bolts made from both titanium and an alloy called Inconel. Titanium is lighter, but Inconel is stronger. The parts made from the two materials look so similar that installation technicians must look at the numbers stamped on them to tell the difference. Although the bolts look nearly identical, the Inconel fasteners are more expensive, however.

Given that some titanium bolts are installed in parts of the planes where the stronger Inconel bolts are supposed to be installed, it would appear that there is a safety issue. However, Lockheed Martin and the Air Force state that the titanium bolts should be strong enough. The Inconel bolts would be ideal, but they are about twice as strong as necessary.

Several different military branches use F-35 aircraft, and there are approximately 50,000 total bolts in each plane. By design, of these 50,000 fasteners, roughly 1,000 are made from super-strong Inconel. The Inconel bolts’ strength is an advantage in the Navy aircraft that perform hard landings on aircraft carriers.

What went wrong?

A Joint Program Office (JPO) oversees getting to the bottom of what went wrong, and their report is expected soon. Lockheed Martin is looking closely at its manufacturing process to see why the incorrect structural fasteners were installed.

So far, Lockheed Martin has concluded that the mistake was made at a company manufacturing plants in Texas and Italy but not Japan. The company further states that it found several bins full of a mixture of both types of structural fasteners on factory floors and moved to correct the situation.

While it’s not known for sure why the two types of parts were mixed in the same bins, in the past, workers returned parts to the wrong containers at the end of their shifts. This was during the manufacturing process for F-16 jets, and it’s likely the same thing happened with the parts for the F-35. Lockheed Martin is putting a remediation plan into effect, but the plan’s details have not been revealed.

In The Future

It’s not known precisely how many planes in operation have the wrong bolts, and no further action is necessary as the aircraft are considered safe. However, Lockheed Martin is exceptionally concerned with improving its manufacturing process and acknowledging that the situation could have been far worse. They dodged a bullet, and they know it.

Inconel 718 fasteners

The F-35 uses Inconel 718 fasteners, and the situation with the F-35s has been a reminder of just how strong these bolts genuinely are. Furthermore, they are highly resistant to corrosion. These fasteners have the rare distinction of generally being far more robust than what is usually needed, and they can be used in a wide variety of applications. In short, they are remarkably safe and effective fasteners.

Our Take

It is widely expected that they will follow Lockheed Martin’s advice and let the planes fly as they are. All parties involved say that their focus is not on playing the blame game but rather on improving the manufacturing process.

We agree. As a significant supplier to LMCO and the F-35, including both Inconel and Titanium Fasteners, we have complete confidence in the protocols established moving forward.

Procure Aerospace Fasteners from AMI

AMI is an AS9100 and ISO:9001 accredited, vertically integrated manufacturer of high strength, close tolerance aerospace pins, bolts, threaded rods, studs, screws, and built-to-print specials.

Our clientele includes industry-leading OEMs like Boeing, Bombardier, DLA, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Sikorsky.

We are a Philips Screw licensee that specializes in both large and small runs. Whether you need a prototype or large runs for your assembly line, you can rely on AMI for rapid delivery and short lead-times.

Search our expansive inventory or launch your Custom Quote today!

 

 

 

 

Special Snow Hours 12/16/20 & 12/17/20

Due to the inclement weather currently impacting the New York – New Jersey Metropolitan area, we are having special hours as follows:

Wednesday, 16-December: Closing early – 4PM
Thursday, 17-December: Opening late 1PM

We kindly request all customers to email any inquiries to aerospace@aero-space.us and we will try to respond as quickly as possible.

As always, we thank you for your understanding and partnership. Stay safe, and Happy Holidays.

AMI’s 2020 – 2021 Holiday Hours

Please take note of our updated hours as the holiday season is rapidly approaching!

Thursday, December 24, 2020 // OPEN 9AM-2PM

Friday, December 25, 2020 // CLOSED

Monday, December 28, 2020 // OPEN 9AM-5PM 

Tuesday, December 29, 2020 // OPEN 9AM-5PM

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 // OPEN 9AM-5PM 

Thursday, December 31, 2020 // OPEN 9AM-2PM

Friday, January 1, 2021 // CLOSED

Monday, January 4, 2021 // OPEN 9AM-5PM 

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy, safe and healthy holiday season!

Thanksgiving 2020 Holiday Hours

We are so grateful for each and every one of you! From our family to yours, we wish you a happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving!

Please take note of our updated Thanksgiving holiday hours below:

  • Wednesday, November 25, 2020 // OPEN 9AM-5PM
  • Thursday, November 26, 2020 // CLOSED
  • Friday, November 27, 2020 // CLOSED