TenCate Advanced Composites North America (Morgan Hill, CA) has signed a long term composite materials supply agreement with Kestrel Aircraft (Superior, WI). The use of composite materials is reportedly essential to enable the Kestrel design engineering team to optimize the aerodynamic shape of the Kestrel K-350 single engine turboprop aircraft, which provides significant improvements in speed and weight compared to traditional aluminum construction.
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| All-composite turboprop plane can go where small jets can’t. |
The Kestrel K-350 is an all-composite single-engine, turboprop aircraft that will carry up to eight people at high speed over long distances to places that jets simply can't go. The Kestrel's sleek, aerodynamic lines and large pressurized cabin are the direct result of advanced composite construction. Composites, with their high strength and design versatility, reportedly enable a more elegant, innovative airframe design and more spacious, comfortable interior.
Joe Morris, President TenCate Advanced Composites North America states: "TenCate is pleased to be the composite supplier to Kestrel Aircraft. This long term supply agreement represents the continuation of a long term successful relationship we have had with the Kestrel management team. We look forward to first flight and certification."
Alan Klapmeier, CEO, Kestrel Aircraft, says: "I have worked closely with TenCate in past years and have been impressed with their strong customer focus and strategic growth over the past two decades. We are pleased to entrust them with supplying consistently high quality prepreg materials for the K-350."
