Morgan Advanced Materials launches specialist composites and defence systems business
Morgan Advanced Materials – Composites and Defence Systems incorporates the business formerly known as NP Aerospace, which specialises in composite systems for defence applications including vehicle armour, combat helmets and body armour and a variety of commercial applications. 
The new business will further harness the company’s advanced ceramic and composite capabilities which already enable it to deliver the most advanced lightweight armour solutions in the world as well as high-performance assemblies and structures for use in sectors such as medical and transportation
The move demonstrates Morgan Advanced Materials’ commitment to delivering a comprehensive and dedicated service for organisations seeking highly engineered composite systems and components acrosss a broad range of industry sectors.
The Group’s heritage in composites dates back to 1926 when the former Courtaulds company produced the world’s first composite materials at what is now the Morgan Advanced Materials – Composites and Defence Systems facility in Coventry.
Duncan Eldridge, managing director of Morgan Advanced Materials – Composites and Defence Systems, said: “Our forward-thinking approach to material development has always been key to the success of this business. The research and development of advanced materials will continue to underpin our future, as we solve our customers’ most difficult composite challenges. We created the world’s first composite material in 1926, and in the 1950s we were pioneers in carbon fibre. Today, Morgan is at the forefront of materials science in areas such as ceramics, graphene and carbon nano-tube, as well as composites, and we have the most in-depth and knowledgeable composites expertise available.
“As an armour company we have the unique ability to optimise the performance of ceramic and composite materials, as well as designing the integrated armour system to maximise protection for a given weight – a key benefit in the field. Our armour technology can be applied to products including combat helmets, bomb disposal suits and body armour, as well as armoured vehicles. Our composite armour systems have been used extensively in armoured vehicles for military, police and counter-terrorist applications particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq in recent years, with more than 1,100 fully integrated armoured vehicles supplied to date.
“Up to 50% lighter than the equivalent steel armour, our advanced composite materials protect those operating in dangerous and life-threatening areas by defending against artillery fire, fragmentation, high-velocity small rounds, grenade attack, mine blasts and burning fluids.
“Although the development and provision of armour for recent conflicts has dominated our activity over the last few years, we have also had significant success in breaking technology barriers for using composite materials in civil applications, such as medical therapy beds. We now look forward to harnessing our skills and capabilities by working with new customers who will benefit from our expertise in the development of lightweight, structural composite components for their products. This will be for a variety of markets, ranging from medical to transportation.
“Morgan Advanced Materials global network means the business is able to support customers irrespective of their location.”
