RESIN INFUSION PRODUCES AUTOCLAVE-CAPABLE TOOLS FOR SCORPION JET.

The article discusses the low-cost composite-intensive design of Leading Edge Aerospace called Scorpion for a tactical jet fighter completed through the joint venture of Airland Enterprises and Textron Airland LLC. Topics covered include the need to mold autoclave-cured carbon fiber prepreg, evaluation of computer-aided design (CAD) files and use of highly dense polyurethane foams. Also mentioned are machining of demolded tools with polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and carbon composite backups.