Rapid Application Group (RAG) announced a manufacturing agreement with Metro Aerospace for the provision of FAA-certified parts using SLS additive manufacturing. Metro Aerospace, based in Dallas TX, delivers innovative Microvanes that reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency in both military and civilian aircraft and was the first company to achieve FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for 3D printed parts designed for use on an aircraft exterior.

RAG, a defense contract parts supplier, has been building a reputation for innovative, cost-effective, and fast provision of mission-critical parts in aerospace and defense manufacturing by applying traditional as well as additive manufacturing methodologies. The company has more than seven different additive manufacturing technologies enabling the team to apply the best solutions to each challenge.

“Given the rigorous standards and the extreme operating conditions for the Microvanes, SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) with glass-filled materials are the only realistic choice,” said Jason Dickman, COO, Rapid Application Group. “To meet the rigorous manufacturing requirements we qualified our sPro 60 HD-HS SLS platforms and Duraform GF materials, from 3D Systems, achieving the First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR) and traceability to meet FAA regulations within weeks.”

Microvanes were originally developed and patented by Lockheed Martin, and Metro holds the exclusive global license for the production, sale and distribution of the product. Metro’s mission is to deliver new and innovative ways to improve aircraft performance through advanced manufacturing and state-of-the-art materials.

Microvanes are now in use on cargo aircraft across five continents and deliver up to a 4% reduction in fuel consumption and a related reduction in carbon emissions, as well as reducing engine wear and overall cost of operation. They are in use on multiple variants of the C-130 aircraft across the world, and have also been optimized for the C-17 GlobeMaster aircraft.

Rapid Application Group
www.rapidapplicationgroup.com