General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems offers a large variety of filament-wound composite drive shafts for both aerospace and commercial applications, such as helicopter rotor shafts and aircraft propeller shafts. We also apply our shaft technology to a variety of industrial equipment, ground vehicles and marine vessel applications.
Filament winding combines the high strength of continuous reinforcement fibers (glass and/or graphite) with the chemical resistance and toughness of a thermosetting resin (typically epoxy). The use of aerospace grade fibers and resins allows us to produce lightweight composite shafts with exceptionally high strength, stiffness and corrosion resistance.
Filament-wound shafts offer multiple advantages:
Significant reduction in shaft weight
Reduced shafting costs
Reduced shaft corrosion
Increased stiffness-to-weight ratio (longer unsupported length)
Improved damping and vibration characteristics
Reduced shaft alignment and associated wear problems (lower maintenance)
Reduced procurement lead time on larger shafts
Increased operating speeds
Tubular products
GD-OTS also designs and manufactures tubular products in a broad range of diameters and lengths with applications similar to a typical drive shaft. These similarities include the following: highly corrosive and abrasive environments, bending moments, axial loading, long fatigue life, high rotational speeds, end fittings, materials and methods of manufacture. Our unique designs offer a variety of metal end fittings, attachments and bearing interfaces.