Integrated Systems Engineering and Development

Flarecraft™ Wing in Ground Effect Vehicle

Combining the breadth and depth of our manufacturing and engineering capabilities, CFI offers integrated systems development from conceptual design and evaluation through fabrication, assembly, testing and deployment.  Our experience with programs such as the Flarecraft "Wing in Ground Effect" vehicle, and current work on a Lightweight Transportable Anti-Intrusion Pontoon Barrier System for the US Navy, have demonstrated our capabilities with solving complex integrated system problems.

The Flarecraft project is a good example of the depth of capabilities that are offered at Composite Factory.  The customer approached CFI to build a set of 5 of these craft, with the need to reduce unit cost for each craft, improve control handling and response, reduce weight and handle all integration aspects of the project.  Our project engineers reviewed the tooling and program details and built a plan to achieve the stated goals, then started work in earnest.  The project entailed many steps including:

• Developing a new laminate schedule of carbon fiber composites (hand lay-up with post oven cure);

• Redesign of power, mechanical and electrical systems;

• Redesign of internal structural supports and framing for optimal placement, additional features and weight reduction;

• Full installation and integration of all flight control, power and mechanical systems;

• Final assembly of the structure;

• Post curing and painting;

• Transportation assistance and post launch support

The engineering talent at CFI was up to the task for this project, given years of experience in composites, equipment and mechanical fabrication, aerospace and aeronautical engineering, and a heads up approach to project management, recognizing the need to re-prioritize and focus on the hot issues.  Successful testing by the customer demonstrated that the stated goals were achieved and the program continues at this time.