Next-generation fighter jets and spacecraft stand to see performance gains from weight reduction and structural resilience
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenChao Kongin BeijingPublished: 10:00am, 3 Apr 2026Challenging six decades of convention, Chinese scientists have proposed a new composite material manufacturing method that could improve the strength and reliability of structures used in drones, aircraft and spacecraft.By introducing an advance in the so-called balanced lay-up approach – a method of stacking fibre layers symmetrically and in opposing angles to minimise internal stresses – the research team reported strength gains of up to 26 per cent.
It also led to a 13 per cent improvement in joint performance, while reducing curing deformation during the manufacturing process that could result in defects.
Greater design flexibility would be especially beneficial for high-precision components such as fuselages, wings and load-bearing panels, it added.
