The T1100/3960 prepreg system has been commissioned by Overair Inc for the airframe structure and propulsion units of its Butterfly prototype aircraft.
According to Toray, the material is suitable for aerospace applications requiring an improved ratio of strength to modulus properties. It is a toughened 350°F/177°C cure epoxy resin with a glass transition temperature of 400°F/204°C that allows for autoclave and out-of-autoclave curing. The resin can also be used with TorayCa T1100 intermediate modulus plus carbon fiber, which is the highest tensile strength fiber available, according to Toray.
The Butterfly has undergone full-scale testing and is expected to take flight in 2023.
"We're excited to be working closely with Toray's advanced materials as we continue the development of our all-electric Butterfly experimental prototype aircraft," said Ben Tigner, co-founder and CEO at Overair. "Our unique propulsion system requires materials that provide a unique combination of high stiffness and high strength, while also maintaining the optimal weight targets for the vehicle."
