Aerobotix automates coating for hypersonic missile parts
Hypersonic missiles require thermal protection and aerodynamic consistency. (Photo: Aerobotix)
Robotic process delivers optimal coating for complex missile components.
US industrial robotics integrator Aerobotix has put into operation an automated production line to provide thermal protection and aerodynamic consistency for hypersonic missiles.
‘A robotic assembly line scans, sands, paints, and measures complex missile components achieving critical tolerances required for hypersonic flight,’ the company announced on 30 March, adding: ‘This process will allow for consistent application of MINTEQ's FIREX RX-2390 ablative coating to shield the missile structure from the extreme temperatures of hypersonic flight.’
An automated Shape Fidelity Scanner records the dimensions of each component. This data is used to generate a custom path to scuff sand each component for optimal coating adhesion. An explosion-proof paint robot then applies dozens of layers of FIREX RX-2390.
‘Our robotic process allows us a tolerance of one mil or one-thousandth of an inch,’ said Aerobotix process engineering manager Kent Pfeifer, adding that this precision is impossible with traditional hand spraying methods.
Using the robotic process, Aerobotix ‘can essentially spray half the thickness of a sheet of paper consistently across an entire missile’, Pfeifer said. ‘Repeated over dozens of layers, we can achieve a level of accuracy that is physically impossible with the traditional method of spraying by hand.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
