Patrick Durrant | Sydney
Quickstep has announced its fourth quarter results, showing record sales of $40 million up from $12 million in the previous year.
The NSW-based advanced composite manufacturer announced it had increased the production rate of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) parts, with 466 having been delivered in the fiscal year to June 30 (up from 188 in FY2014). It also completed 32 ship-sets for the Lockheed Martin C-130J production line, as sole supplier of composite wing flaps for the aircraft.
Other points of note include the company's announcement that its Qure technology had been accepted by client and European aerospace composites manufacturer ORPE Technologiya for installation. The machine produces carbon-fibre parts used to shield satellites.
Regarding the F-35 JSF, the company has continued to progress the qualification process for production of JSF Vertical Tail components. Under its agreement with Marand Precision Engineering, Quickstep will supply 700 sets of carbon fibre composite parts including skins, spars and fairings over a period of 14 years, with first deliveries expected to commence this year.
Design activity is underway jointly with Thales Australia to prepare carbon fibre composite components for a pilot build of the Hawkei protected mobility vehicle in late 2015/early 2016. Subject to an Australian Federal Government sourcing decision expected this year, production is expected to commence in early 2016.