USA Bobsled Teams with Utah Aerospace Leaders for New Sleds

USA Bobsled/Skeleton announced Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, a new partnership with Utah aerospace and defense leaders to build next-generation sleds using advanced composite technology. The collaboration, announced at 47G’s annual Zero Gravity Summit in Salt Lake City, aims to provide American bobsled athletes with high-performance equipment as they prepare for the 2034 Winter Olympics.

Collaborative Engineering Efforts

The partnership involves several key industry players aimed at optimizing sled performance through advanced engineering. Albany Engineered Composites will manufacture next-generation composite sled cowlings for the team’s four-man bobsleds, while Nammo will manufacture carbon-fiber cowlings for the two-man bobsleds. Hexcel is contributing its specialized expertise in advanced composite materials to the project.

Design and Assembly Process

The development process includes a significant role for Honda, which is responsible for the aerodynamics and design of the outer shell. According to Aron McGuire, CEO of USA Bobsled/Skeleton, the process begins with Honda designing an ergonomic shell that accommodates the athletes. Once the design is finalized, Albany Engineered Composites will fabricate the component. The finished pieces, including metal chassis components and runners from a company called Advance, will eventually be sent to Honda's plant in Marysville, Ohio, for final assembly.

Aerospace Tech Meets Elite Sport

The technological shift seeks to apply materials used in aircraft, missiles, and unmanned systems to the demands of elite sliding sports. Jeff Daniel, vice president of the commercial segment at Albany Engineered Composites, noted that the project explores how knowledge used to build aircraft can be applied to a ground-based challenge where sleds reach speeds of 90 miles per hour. The composite materials are chosen for their ability to be both extremely strong and lightweight, which is critical in a sport where performance is measured in hundredths or thousandths of a second.

Utah's Olympic and Industrial Link

This partnership strengthens the connection between the national governing body and the state of Utah, which will host the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. USABS athletes already utilize Utah Olympic Park in Park City for training and competition. The partnership allows local engineers and manufacturers to collaborate closely with the athletes, creating a direct link between Utah's advanced manufacturing ecosystem and its Olympic legacy.

The Role of 47G

The initiative was brought together by 47G, an organization representing Utah's deep tech, aerospace, and defense sectors. Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G, stated that the collaboration showcases Utah's ability to intersect advanced manufacturing, research, and entrepreneurship. The partnership serves as a demonstration of how the state's industrial base can support the pursuit of excellence on the global stage.

Future Testing and Goals

Looking ahead, the team intends to use the new equipment for testing this winter. McGuire noted that depending on how the new sleds perform during track testing, they may even see competition as early as this season. The ultimate goal remains the continuous refinement of the technology to ensure the third or fourth-generation sleds are optimized for the 2034 Games.