Exelis expands its composite manufacturing capability, offers new product line

Exelis (NYSE: XLS) has licensed patented manufacturing technology from Belgium based Bodair S.A. to produce composite Struts, Tubes and Rods (STaR) for commercial and military aircraft applications. The new Exelis STaR product line expands the company’s aerostructures solutions and supports the aerospace industry’s demand for high-performance, light-weight structural hardware.

Exelis will use the new technology to produce a variety of composite hardware components under the STaR product line, including floor beam and wing box struts, control rods and torque tubes. The unique technology allows for rapid development and reconfiguration of product design and offers the capability to produce monolithic carbon fiber struts or integrate metallic fittings during the automated manufacturing process. As a result, the STaR products are lower weight while achieving the same strength requirements compared with other composite production methods. In addition, the composite hardware provides much higher strength-to-weight ratio vs. traditional metallic parts.

“The newly acquired technology provides Exelis with a competitive advantage as the aerospace industry continues to expand the use of composites looking for new opportunities to reduce the weight of aircraft,” said Mike Blair, vice president and general manager of Exelis Aerostructures. “The STaR product line offers customers significant weight savings without compromising strength and durability. The combination of the unique manufacturing process and automation technology positions us to meet the market demands with the ability to produce upward of 40,000 STaR parts per year.”

Aerostructures has been identified as one of four strategic growth platforms for the company. Exelis will produce the STaR products at its composite design and manufacturing center in Salt Lake City.

BODAIR S.A. is an emerging technology company active in the design and development of carbon fiber applications for the aerospace industry. The company’s investment in research and development has advanced the use of composite materials in aircraft applications and produced innovative manufacturing processes.

About Exelis

Exelis is a diversified, top-tier global aerospace, defense, information and services company that leverages a 50-year legacy of deep customer knowledge and technical expertise to deliver affordable, mission-critical solutions for global customers. We are a leader in positioning and navigation, sensors, air traffic management solutions, image processing and distribution, communications and information systems; and focused on strategic growth in the areas of critical networks, ISR and analytics, electronic warfare and composite aerostructures. Headquartered in McLean, Va., Exelis employs about 17,000 people and generated 2013 sales of $4.8 billion. For more information, visit our website at www.exelisinc.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.