USA Bobsled/Skeleton announced a new collaboration with Utah's aerospace and manufacturing industry to construct high-tech sleds using advanced composite materials. The partnership, announced Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Zero Gravity Summit, aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to prepare for the 2034 Olympics.
Advanced Manufacturing Partnership
The collaboration involves Albany Engineered Composites, Hexcel, and Nammo Composite Solutions, which will provide both the specialized materials and the manufacturing expertise required to build the new sleds. This partnership addresses a previous gap in the organization's technical resources regarding the sourcing and application of composite carbon fiber.
Bridging the Technology Gap
USA Bobsled/Skeleton CEO Aron McGuire described the disciplines of bobsledding and skeleton as "heavy equipment sports," noting that the sleds serve as a critical component for success. McGuire stated that while his governing body has successfully recruited and trained fast, powerful athletes and skillful drivers, the ability to design and build proprietary sleds is essential for podium finishes.
Prior to this development, the association had already established a technology partnership with American Honda and Acura, which provided design support from Honda's R&D engineers and access to wind tunnel facilities for aerodynamic testing.
Aerospace Technology Integration
Aaron Starks, CEO of 47G'the industry nonprofit for Utah's aerospace and defense companies that organized the Zero Gravity Summitnoted that the materials being used for the sleds are the same types utilized in Boeing 787s and F-35 stealth fighters. Starks highlighted that Utah's tech sector created more jobs last year than any other state, exceeding the growth seen in California and Silicon Valley.
Starks further explained that Hexcel intends to utilize artificial intelligence to assist in the construction of the bobsleds, mirroring the technology used in their existing defense contracts. According to Starks, the use of AI and advanced materials will allow for different simulation testing and performance modeling, resulting in sleds that are lighter, faster, and stronger, ultimately leading to more competitive race times.
Timeline for Olympic Success
The development timeline focuses on long-term success for the 2034 Olympics, which will be hosted in Utah. However, the research and development process for iterating new sled designs is moving rapidly. The first project under this initiative will be the development of a four-man bobsled, with completion expected within one year.
Following the four-man project, the focus will shift to two-man sleds starting next summer. McGuire indicated that the organization expects to undertake a second, updated version of the four-man sled prior to the 2030 Games in France, emphasizing that preparations for the 2034 Olympics must begin immediately.
Future Competitive Outlook
The move toward proprietary, high-tech sled construction marks a significant shift for the association as it looks toward future international competition. By integrating Utah's aerospace manufacturing capabilities with elite athletic training, the organization aims to secure a competitive advantage for the upcoming decade of bobsledding.
