Fidamc is one of the companies participating in the European project ADMIRABLE, a cutting-edge initiative that seeks to revolutionise materials and manufacturing processes for the construction of next-generation ships. Led by Navantia and funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF), ADMIRABLE aims to develop multifunctional, lightweight, resistant composite materials capable of offering ballistic protection, fire resistance and low observability, among other features.
The project seeks to achieve what today seem like almost contradictory requirements: reducing the weight, size, power and cost (SWaP-C) of naval components, while improving their performance in key areas: stealth, fire resistance, ballistic protection, mechanical and thermal behaviour, as well as acoustic and electromagnetic compatibility.
To this end, ADMIRABLE does not limit itself to designing new materials, but is committed to advanced production processes, such as additive manufacturing techniques (3D printing, state-of-the-art composites) and scalable and flexible production methods, which enable complex parts to be manufactured efficiently, adaptably and cost-effectively.
The project includes several phases, from defining requirements and generating knowledge to evaluating fire performance, circularity, and the design of functional layers to achieve the optimal balance between the various required functionalities (ballistic, thermal, electromagnetic, etc.), and the development of a supply chain capable of sustaining these materials.
What is Fidamc's contribution?
Fidamc's involvement in ADMIRABLE provides fundamental added value. Thanks to our extensive experience in the aeronautical sector, where precision, lightness, resistance and strict quality standards are commonplace, Fidamc brings an industrial and materials perspective that can be extrapolated to the naval sector.
Our role encompasses both manufacturing and materials analysis and testing. Specifically:
- Advanced manufacturing: we apply our expertise in high-performance industrial processes (such as those used in aerospace) to produce composite components with the quality and reliability demanded by a maritime defence environment.
- Analysis and validation: we subject new materials to rigorous testing, checking their mechanical, thermal, fire-resistant and ballistic resistance, as well as their electromagnetic and acoustic behaviour, ensuring their suitability for the naval environment.
- Cross-cutting vision and innovation: by transferring techniques and best practices from the aeronautical sector to the naval sector, we are helping to bridge the technological gap between the two fields, promoting innovative, efficient solutions that can be adapted to the challenges of the ships of the future.
In this way, Fidamc's participation ensures that the multilayers that make up the new composite materials meet the demanding functionality requirements defined by ADMIRABLE (ballistic protection, fire resistance, low observability, lightness, etc.), enhancing their real viability in operational environments.
The incorporation of a player such as Fidamc into the ADMIRABLE consortium bridges the gap between the aeronautical and naval sectors. This interdisciplinary approach facilitates the transfer of mature, robust and certified technologies, accelerating innovation in the naval defence industry.
Furthermore, the combination of capabilities — design, manufacturing, analysis, testing and industrial optimisation — significantly increases the project's chances of success. In a context where future ships must respond to increasingly complex threats (from ballistic fire to radar detection, thermal threats or electronic attacks), having materials with integrated features is an essential strategic advantage.
At Fidamc, we are taking on the challenge of being part of the ADMIRABLE project. We are bringing all our knowledge of materials, manufacturing and testing, forged in the demanding world of aeronautics, to the naval sector to contribute to the development of safer, more efficient and lighter ships that are ready for the challenges of the 21st century.
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