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Technology update
Components delivered for third X-34
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The X-34 demonstrator was modified for unpowered flights in October 1999.
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Vermont Composites Inc. has completed delivery of the third set of composite components for the X-34 Technology Demonstrator Vehicle Program. About 80 parts were delivered to the prime contractor, Orbital Sciences Corp. in Dulles, VA, which will perform final assembly and vehicle integration of the X-34. The X-34 technology demonstrator is part of NASA's efforts to further develop reusable launch vehicle technologies for future space transportation.
A subcontractor to the program, Vermont Composites was responsible for tool design and fabrication as well as process development and fuselage component fabrication. The company attributed this contract award to its ability to design and produce cost-effective mold tools in a short time period using the solid models posted on Orbital's FTP site.
The composite parts specified by the prime contractor were made using low-temperature cure epoxy, which allowed the company to use low cost mold materials that could be fabricated quickly. The fuselage components feature a sandwich construction consisting of carbon epoxy skins and an aluminum honeycomb core. The parts were
initially cured in an autoclave followed by a post cure in a freestanding oven to increase high-temperature performance.
Frank Bokulich
Aerospace Engineering July 2000
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