Utah aerospace and composite industry leaders announced a new partnership on October 28 to develop next-generation bobsleds for USA Bobsled & Skeleton. The collaboration, announced at the 47G Zero Gravity Summit in Salt Lake City, aims to apply advanced materials and engineering expertise to support Team USA athletes through the 2034 and 2038 Winter Olympic Games.
The partnership includes Albany Engineered Composites, Hexcel, Nammo Composite Solutions, and 47G. Albany Engineered Composites will work with USABS to design and manufacture composite bobsleds. Nammo Composite Solutions is tasked with designing and manufacturing carbon-fiber cowlings for the Team USA two-man bobsleds, while Hexcel will contribute advanced composite materials expertise.
Lyndon Smith, President, Americas & Global Fibers, stated that the same advanced materials and technical expertise used in aerospace and defense can open new possibilities in elite sport. Jeff Daniel, vice president, commercial segment at Albany Engineered Composites, noted that the technology used to design strong, lightweight components for aerospace provides an opportunity to address performance challenges in bobsledding.
The initiative leverages technologies typically used in demanding environments, such as aircraft, missiles, and unmanned systems, where strength, durability, and low weight are essential. By connecting companies with expertise in aerospace, advanced materials, manufacturing, and defense with elite athletes, the partnership seeks to utilize Utah's hard-tech ecosystem to gain a competitive edge in equipment-driven sports.
The announcement occurred during Hard Tech Week at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. As Utah prepares to host the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the collaboration highlights the state's ability to connect traditionally separate industries, including advanced manufacturing and research, to support high-performance innovation.
