At the JEC Europe - Composites Show and Conferences on 10-12 March 2015, KittyHawkTM, the first carbon blended-wing airplane, will receive the JEC Composites Magazine Special Prize for innovation.

Designed by VX Aerospace, the VX-1 KittyHawk stands out from other aircraft thanks to its original blended-wing carbon structure. KittyHawk is a revolutionary airplane that takes the well-known advantages of traditional blended-wing aircraft and associates them with today's state-of-the-art concepts, materials and manufacturing techniques. This one-of-a-kind configuration combines dynamic stability and aerodynamic efficiency. In addition, thanks to the use of high-performance composites, the structure has low density, high damage tolerance and fewer parts.

"We are very proud to receive a special award from the JEC Group for the VX-1 KittyHawkTM. It recognises the innovative, high-potential aspect of our project internationally. We'd like to thank our partner Chomarat, whose C-PlyTM reinforcement made it structurally possible to develop the KittyHawk, as well as Stanford University, North Carolina State University and University of South Carolina," said VX-Aerospace CEO Bob Skillen.

The C-Ply composite reinforcements developed by Chomarat are designed to optimise the fibre performance. They give the structure properties like: low weight, structural efficiency, durability and make it easier to manufacture. These properties and the innovative aircraft design allow for a large payload space.

Furthermore, for the same payload space, its carbon footprint can be reduced compared to other aircraft through the optional use of alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG). When CNG is used, the VX-1 KittyHawk emits 40% less pollution than other aircraft.

C-Ply is the fruit of collaborative work between Chomarat and Stanford University's Dr Steven Tsai, who developed the concept of bi-angle thin-ply NCF. "We are very enthused to be partners with a recipient of the JEC Innovation Award in the JEC Magazine Special Award category. The history of C-Ply started at JEC Asia 2010, when we met Dr Tsai, and now here we are, rewarded as a partner for an aerospace project!" said Chomarat Group General Manager Michel Cognet.

Discover KittyHawk on Chomarat's stand Paris Expo Porte de Versailles (France) JEC Europe - Composites Show and Conferences, 10-12 March 2015 Hall 7.3 Stand M.29.