Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Unidym Inc. Announces the First Flight of an Aircraft Using Carbon Nanotubes for Increased Fuselage Strength

Home > Press > Unidym Inc. Announces the First Flight of an Aircraft Using Carbon Nanotubes for Increased Fuselage Strength

Abstract:
Unidym, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of Arrowhead Research Corporation (NASDAQ:ARWR), announced today the first flight of an aircraft incorporating Unidym's carbon nanotubes into its airframe for increased strength and flexibility to combat the effects of aerodynamic stress and engine vibration. On April 11th Avalon Aviation's Giles G-200 aircraft flew with Unidym's carbon nanotubes incorporated into its carbon fiber composite engine cowling. The Giles G-200 is a high performance, single engine fully aerobatic carbon composite aircraft.

Unidym Inc. Announces the First Flight of an Aircraft Using Carbon Nanotubes for Increased Fuselage Strength

Menlo Park, CA | Posted on April 22nd, 2008

High performance aerobatic aircraft are often the industry's test bed for new airframe technology. They are generally subject to increased levels of vibration and stress which typically induce cracking in airframe components. Engine cowlings in particular must endure significant engine vibration while simultaneously twisting and constantly shifting with respect to the rest of the airframe during aerobatic flight. A cowling experiences a variety of stresses from increased G-force and gyroscopic forces as the aircraft is flown to the limit of its performance envelope.

"We are delighted that Avalon Aviation decided to incorporate Unidym's carbon nanotubes into this sophisticated, state-of-the-art aircraft," noted Arthur Swift, Unidym's president and CEO. "For some time now the aerospace industry has been looking into the structural use of carbon nanotubes in high performance, composite airframes. To our knowledge this successful flight is the first time carbon nanotubes have actually been flown as part of a major composite component of an aircraft's fuselage."

Avalon Aviation applied carbon nanotechnology to this problem in order to increase the strength, while retaining flexibility, and also to lower the density of the resin used in the cowling's carbon fiber composite material. This weight reduction is a significant secondary benefit as the Giles G-200 typically experiences between +10 and -10 times the force of gravity as it performs some of the most difficult aerobatic maneuvers possible for a human piloted aircraft. Avalon Aviation's Giles G-200 is flown by nationally recognized US competitive aerobatics pilot, Greg Howard.

"We've applied Unidym's technology in a critical area of the Giles G-200," said Greg Howard, Chief Pilot and co-owner of Avalon Aviation. "We are constantly looking for ways to reduce any potential composite failures due to vibration and other forms of stress. We are excited about potential composite applications of carbon nanotechnology and look forward to learning more from this initial application in order to expand the use of nanotubes elsewhere in our aircraft."

Avalon Aviation's Giles G-200 will be flown in several major air shows this year. It will also fly in a number of competitive aerobatic events this summer and in the US National Aerobatic Championships in September. Avalon Aviation will be providing technical services this summer at the Advanced World Aerobatic Championship (www.AWAC2008.org) and its Giles G-200 will be featured in the event's concluding, international air show.

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About Unidym, Inc.
Unidym (www.unidym.com) is a leader in the manufacture and application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a novel material with extraordinary electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Unidym provides bulk materials, CNT-enabled products, and intellectual property to a wide range of customers and business partners. As a result of its recent merger with CNI, Unidym possesses a foundational patent portfolio that covers nearly every aspect of CNT manufacturing and processing as well as multiple product applications.

Unidym is focused on the electronics industry where its initial products include transparent electrodes for touch screens, flat panel displays, solar cells, and solid state lighting; electrodes for fuel cells; and thin film transistors for printable electronics. Unidym is also pursuing an aggressive, cross-industry partnership strategy to capture value from the wide ranging uses of CNTs. Unidym’s licensing program, technical expertise and manufacturing facilities can enable partners to rapidly develop CNT solutions for their specific applications.

Unidym is a majority-owned subsidiary of Arrowhead Research Corporation (NASDAQ:ARWR).

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. One can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of the words "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "may," "will," "estimate" and other similar expressions. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the recent economic slowdown affecting technology companies, the future success of our scientific studies, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid technological change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments and general economic conditions. Arrowhead’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, recent and forthcoming Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Forms 8-K, Registration Statements on Form S-3, and other SEC filings made by Arrowhead discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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Contacts:
Unidym, Inc.
Robert Bismuth, 650-462-1935

or
Arrowhead Research
Virginia Dadey, 212-541-3707

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