What are the applications of fiberglass composite materials in the low-altitude economy field?
(I) Airframe and structural components in the field of UAVs: Fiberglass reinforced plastic (GFRP) is widely used in key structural components such as the fuselage, wings and tail of UAVs due to its lightweight and high strength. For example, the radar cover and fairing of the RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV are made of fiberglass composite materials, which ensures the clarity of signal transmission and improves the reconnaissance capability of the UAV. Blade materials: In the manufacture of UAV propellers, glass fiber is combined with materials such as nylon to improve rigidity and durability. This composite blade can withstand greater loads and more frequent takeoffs and landings, extending the service life of the propeller. Functional optimization: Fiberglass can also be used for electromagnetic shielding and infrared penetrating materials to enhance the communication and detection capabilities of UAVs. By applying these functional materials to UAVs, the communication stability of UAVs in complex electromagnetic environments can be enhanced, and the detection accuracy of targets can be improved.
(II) Fuselage frame and wings in the field of eVTOL: eVTOL aircraft have extremely high requirements for lightweight, and fiberglass reinforced composite materials are often used in combination with carbon fiber to optimize the fuselage structure and reduce costs. For example, some eVTOL aircraft use fiberglass composite materials to manufacture fuselage frames and wings, which reduces the weight of the aircraft while ensuring structural strength, and improves flight efficiency and endurance. Market demand growth: With policy support and technological progress, the demand for eVTOL market continues to grow. According to a recent report by Stratview Research, the eVTOL industry's demand for composite materials is expected to increase by about 20 times in six years, from 1.1 million pounds in 2024 to 25.9 million pounds in 2030. This provides a broad market space for the application of glass fiber composite materials in the eVTOL field.
