EAST PROVIDENCE – Response Technologies, which makes 3-D plastics, textiles and composite solutions for the defense and commercial markets, is working with Sikorsky, based in Stratford, Conn., on survivability solutions for Sikorsky’s Future Vertical Lift aircraft.
In a press release, Response Technologies said it is collaborating with Sikorsky’s research and development program Aircraft & Aircrew Protection.
In 2015 – the year the company was founded by David Pettey and Ed Bard – Response Technologies won honorable mention in the sixth annual Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Entrepreneurial competition.
“Sikorsky’s technical and commercial support was essential to securing our Phase II Small Business Innovation Research Contract with the Defense Logistics Agency,” said Ed Bard, president, Response Technologies. “This has allowed us to fast-track toward qualification and ultimate source approval.”
With this particular project, the A&AP Intelligent Fuel Management task, Sikorsky and Response Technologies will mature a lightweight fuel-cell design through ballistic, crash and vibratory testing, Response Technologies said. The innovation could reduce cell weight by 20 percent, according to the company.
Delivery to Sikorsky for testing is slated for 2019.
The Sikorsky 9th Entrepreneurial Challenge, meanwhile, is accepting applications until 5 p.m. Sept. 21.
Susan Shalhoub is a PBN contributing writer.
