The Quickstep Process is an out-of-autoclave composite curing process for the high speed manufacture of advanced composite, bonded metal, and fibre metal laminated structural components.

Under the terms of the agreement, Vector and Quickstep, both located in Dayton, Ohio, USA, will collaborate in funded R&D, prototype development and demonstration of composite structural components, and aerospace production programmes. Activities will include joint presentations to potential customers and participation at industry trade shows.

Vector recently became the first licensee of the Quickstep Process in North America.

Commenting on the teaming agreement, Dale Brosius, President of Quickstep Composites and a Director of its Australian parent company Quickstep Holdings Ltd, said: "Not only will the two companies work together on curing of traditional autoclave qualified and new out-of-autoclave prepregs, we will also advance the pairing of the Quickstep Process with infusion technologies brought forward by Vector.”

Vector CEO Lyle Dunbar notes that Vector can now offer customers interested in Quickstep a complete solution, from part and tooling design, through to serial production in its AS9100-certified Dayton facility.