COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
COMPOSITE DRIVE SHAFTS AND TUBES
COMPOSITE DRIVE SHAFTS AND TUBES
Drive Shafts
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.
Tubular Products
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems 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.

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


Lightweight composite shafts with exceptionally high strength, stiffness and corrosion resistance.



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General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is a global aerospace and defense company. We are a committed to providing the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching products that provide a cutting-edge advantage to our war fighters. A General Dynamics Company.
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100 Carillon Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Main Number: (727) 578-8100
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