YF-23 Fuselage Structure Manufacturing
Defense · Client: Northrop Grumman
Project details
Led the manufacturing team for the fuselage structure of the YF-23 advanced fighter program, utilizing high-performance composite fabrication techniques.
The Composites Consultants
One-stop for specialists in advanced composites.
About the firm
The Composites Consultants is a US-based advisory practice providing subject-matter expertise in advanced composite materials, fabrication, assembly, and coatings. Its team of internationally recognized specialists brings decades of hands-on experience supporting major Department of Defense programs, including classified and mission-critical platforms. Services span composite materials and processes, advanced assembly techniques, aircraft survivability manufacturing, and robotics-based measurement and coating application. It draws on deep expertise in areas such as automated fiber placement, out-of-autoclave systems, low-observable performance, and advanced bonded structures.
- Team
- Micro
- Firm type
- Materials Engineering · Aerospace Engineering · Defense Engineering
People
Doug DeckerPresident
Mike GerickSenior Associate
Al HikenSenior Associate
Gary OstrowskiSenior Associate
Capabilities
Composite Materials & Processes
Service websiteProvides technical advisory and engineering expertise across a diverse range of composite material technologies, selection, and processing methodologies.
- Epoxy Resin Systems
- Bismaleimide Systems
- Thermoplastics
- Resin Transfer Molding
- Automated Fiber Placement
- High-Performance Elastomers
Advanced Assembly Techniques
Service websiteDeploys specialized methodologies and surface preparation techniques to ensure high-integrity bonding and structural alignment for aircraft components.
- Large Integrated Bonded Structures
- Surface Preparation
- 3-D Preform Fabrication
- Advanced Bagging Techniques
- Laser Bond Inspection
- Atmospheric Plasma Treatment
Advanced Survivability Manufacturing
Service websiteSupports stealth manufacturing processes, including the design, application, and measurement of specialized coatings and radar cross-section performance treatments.
- Coating and Treatments Application
- Radar Cross Section Measurement
- Low Observable Performance
- Advanced Materials Integration
- Meta Materials Applications
Robotics & Measurement
Service websiteDevelops and implements automated systems and collaborative robotics for precise material finishing and high-tolerance applications.
- Automated Coating Application
- Robotic Sanding Co-Bots
Industries
Defense · Aerospace · Manufacturing
Projects
F/A-18 E/F Composites Manufacturing
Defense · Client: Northrop Grumman
Project details
Managed composites manufacturing operations and team leadership for the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet program.
F-35 Center Fuselage Assembly
Defense · Client: Northrop Grumman
Project details
Served as Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead for the F-35 Lightning II center fuselage assembly, coordinating advanced composites and structural integration.