Coexpair to Fabricate, Demonstrate and Test Lockheed F-35 Composite Parts Using SQRTM 4.0

Why It Matters

The deal accelerates adoption of next‑generation composite manufacturing for a flagship defense platform, delivering cost and sustainability gains that could reshape aerospace supply chains.

Key Takeaways

• Coexpair, Lockheed sign MOU for F-35 composite development
• SQRTM 4.0 offers full automation, AI‑driven production control
• Maestro software synchronizes equipment, cuts energy use fourfold
• Process reduces part cost 30% and waste by ten percent
• New AFP line speeds thermoplastic composite processing four times faster

Pulse Analysis

The F‑35 program, a cornerstone of modern air superiority, continually seeks lighter, stronger, and more cost‑effective structures. Traditional hand‑layup and semi‑automated processes struggle to meet the aircraft’s demanding performance and production cadence. By partnering with Coexpair, Lockheed Martin taps into a Belgian‑origin technology that reimagines composite fabrication through fully automated resin transfer molding, positioning the fighter jet to benefit from tighter tolerances, reduced cycle times, and a more resilient supply chain.

At the heart of this initiative is SQRTM 4.0, an evolution of Coexpair’s resin transfer molding platform that integrates robotics, real‑time sensor feedback, and AI‑driven quality assurance via the Maestro software suite. Maestro orchestrates equipment, captures production data, and runs predictive simulations, enabling operators to pre‑empt defects and optimize cure cycles. The result is a reported 30% drop in part cost, a fourfold reduction in energy consumption, and a ten‑percent cut in material waste—metrics that resonate strongly with manufacturers facing tightening ESG mandates and cost pressures.

Beyond the immediate F‑35 application, the collaboration signals a broader shift toward European‑centric advanced manufacturing hubs. The planned Excellence Manufacturing Centers in Belgium will serve as training grounds and export platforms for SQRTM 4.0, potentially opening doors to commercial aerospace programs and defense contracts worldwide. As the AFP line accelerates thermoplastic processing four times faster, the technology positions Coexpair to compete in high‑volume markets, reinforcing Belgium’s role in the global aerospace supply chain while offering Lockheed Martin a scalable, sustainable path for future aircraft generations.