QinetiQ US Partners with Integris to Enhance Army Aircraft Survivability Solutions
QinetiQ US and Integris Composites Join Forces for Future Army Aircraft
QinetiQ US has announced a significant partnership with Integris Composites to contribute to the U.S. Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. This collaboration aims to leverage QinetiQ's expertise in systems engineering and integration to provide cutting-edge survivability solutions that include their renowned LAST Armor® integration technology.
With over two decades of experience as a leader in aircraft armor, QinetiQ US has established a strong reputation for its LAST Armor® product, which is a lightweight yet robust solution offering superior ballistic protection for various military aircraft. Since its introduction during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, LAST Armor® has been instrumental in safeguarding thousands of combat vehicles. It has been installed on over 40 aircraft types in 16 allied nations, serving not only the U.S. military but also international allies and law enforcement agencies.
Christopher Forrest, Executive Vice President of Advanced Robotics and Mission Solutions at QinetiQ US, expressed excitement about this partnership, stating, "We are honored to partner with Integris Composites, a valued long-term supplier, to provide a customized armored survivability solution for the U.S. Army's Future Vertical Lift program."
Integris Composites, which has a long-standing history of producing reliable protective solutions, will play a key role in this partnership. Andrew Bonham, president of Integris Composites, shared his pride in working on developing the U.S. Army's new long-range assault aircraft, emphasizing their commitment to safety, dependability, and operational effectiveness over more than 25 years.
The LAST Armor® technology, developed and manufactured at QinetiQ US's Franklin, Massachusetts facility, utilizes advanced materials including high-performance fibers and ceramics. These innovations provide not only traditional ballistic protection but also enhance mission success in diverse operational environments.
The significance of this collaboration extends further as it is based on work supported by the Army Contracting Command - Redstone Arsenal, under Contract No. W58RGZ-23-C-0001. This ensures that the solutions provided will meet stringent military standards and operational demands.
QinetiQ US operates under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) with the U.S. Government, highlighting its commitment to safeguarding classified information and ensuring compliance with national security protocols. As the U.S. arm of QinetiQ Group plc, QinetiQ US continues to support a range of defense and national security initiatives, focusing on mission-led engineering, cutting-edge technology, and responsive solutions to keep military personnel safe and effective on the battlefield.
In conclusion, the partnership between QinetiQ US and Integris Composites signifies a major advancement in military aviation safety. By combining their strengths, they are set to enhance the survivability of future U.S. Army aircraft, ensuring that the men and women in uniform can depend on the highest standards of protection while fulfilling their critical missions.