Raytheon develops cheaper MALD
Raytheon has developed a lower-cost, carbon fibre airframe for the US Air Force Miniature Air Launched Decoy (MALD) in cooperation with Dallara and Fokker Technologies, the company announced on 21 July.
The three companies used formula racing technologies and robotics to develop the new airframe, which Raytheon claims to be 25% less expensive to produce than the previous airframe. The new composite design will be included in 2015's Lot 7 production.
Fokker Technologies helped adapt robotics to wind the carbon fibre fuselage instead of relying on the conventional manual process. Racing carmaker Dallara applied its lightweight structural technologies to airframe accessories such as air inlets and covers.
Scott Muse, MALD programs director, Raytheon, said: 'MALD is a cost-efficient, modular system that can protect manned aircraft from the need to engage threats and make stand-off munitions even more lethal.
'Driving affordability is a key element of customer success. Through the partnership with Fokker, Dallara and the US Air Force, we delivered MALD's capabilities at a lower price.'
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