A new partnership between USA Bobsled/Skeleton and several advanced manufacturing companies aims to develop next-generation bobsled cowlings using aerospace-grade composite materials. Announced Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, at 47G's annual Zero Gravity Summit in Salt Lake City, the collaboration includes Albany Engineered Composites, Hexcel, and Nammo Composite Solutions to support athletes preparing for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Aerospace Technology Meets Elite Sport
The partnership was unveiled during Hard Tech Week at the Salt Palace as part of the 47G Zero Gravity Summit. The collaboration brings together athletes, engineers, and manufacturers to explore how technologies developed for demanding aerospace and defense applications can be applied to elite sports. This initiative specifically targets the development of high-performance sled technology, where performance is often measured in hundredths of a second.
Manufacturing Specialized Sled Components
As part of the agreement, Nammo Composite Solutions will manufacture carbon-fiber cowlings for the USA Bobsled/Skeleton team's two-man bobsleds. Albany Engineered Composites will work with the organization to manufacture next-generation composite bobsleds. Hexcel is contributing its expertise in advanced composite materials to the project.
These advancements build upon a foundation of specialized manufacturing established years ago. In December 2025, USA Bobsled/Skeleton announced a partnership with Nammo Composite Solutions, LLC to provide composite components for skeleton sleds to help athletes excel on the ice.
Critical Sled Performance Factors
The use of advanced composites is critical for bobsledding because the weight, strength, aerodynamics, and design of a sled are vital to track performance. These materials, which are essential for modern aircraft, missiles, and unmanned systems, offer a combination of durability and low weight.
Jeff Daniel, vice president of the commercial segment at Albany Engineered Composites, said the ability to apply expertise learned in aerospace to a different performance challenge creates an exciting opportunity. He noted that advanced composite technology has transformed aerospace by enabling the design of strong, lightweight components capable of performing in demanding environments.
Utah's Growing Tech Ecosystem
The collaboration highlights Utah's growing hard-tech ecosystem, which connects companies with expertise in aerospace, advanced materials, manufacturing, and defense to the state's sporting legacy. This ecosystem is particularly relevant as Utah prepares to host the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G, stated that Utah has spent decades building an ecosystem where advanced manufacturing, aerospace, research, and entrepreneurship intersect. He noted that as the state looks toward 2034, there is an opportunity to showcase the technologies and talent helping shape the future of innovation while hosting world-class competition.
Industry Partner Profiles
The partnership's participants represent major players in the global manufacturing and defense sectors. Nammo Composite Solutions, a subsidiary of the Norway-headquartered Nammo Group, provides specialized expertise in advanced composite manufacturing for defense and aerospace.
Other partners include Hexcel Corporation, a global leader in lightweight composites technology, and Albany Engineered Composites, which designs components for commercial and military aircraft, missiles, and unmanned vehicles. Lyndon Smith, President of Americas & Global Fibers, noted that the same technical expertise supporting aerospace and defense can open new possibilities in elite sport.
Looking Toward 2034
The initiative serves as a practical application of industrial research to athletic performance. By leveraging materials used in mission-critical defense and aerospace programs, the partnership seeks to push the limits of what is possible on the bobsled track as athletes prepare for the 2034 Winter Olympics on home ice in Utah.
