Schunk Group
Engineering competence in materials technology and machine building.
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Defense & Security
Material Solutions for Defense:
High-performance Composites and Engineering Expertise from Schunk
Extreme conditions demand exceptional materials. As a trusted development partner to the global defense industry, Schunk Carbon Technology supplies high-performance components and subsystems specifically engineered for military applications on land, at sea, and in the air. Our expertise lies in the selection and processing of advanced materials. Whether fiber-reinforced polymers, high-performance ceramics, or graphite, we combine technological diversity with deep application knowledge. This ensures durability and functionality in extreme thermal environments – from –80 °C to beyond 3000 °C. From thermal shielding in missiles to lightweight structural components in UAVs and functional parts for armored vehicles, our solutions are tailored to meet each specific application requirement.
Material Solutions for Extreme Demands
High-Temperature Materials for Missile and Rocket Propulsion Systems
Where many materials fail above 1000 °C, Schunk provides reliable material solutions for thermally and mechanically stressed components. Depending on the application and geometry, we use Carbon Reinforced Carbon (CFC), Silicon Carbide (SiC), Durafox® Oxide Fiber Composites (OFC), and graphite.
Key benefits:
- Temperature resistance beyond 3000 °C
- High specific stiffness at low density
- Excellent resistance to abrasion and corrosion
Surface coatings such as PyC and CVD further extend service life and enhance durability.
Lightweight Composites for UAVs, Ground Vehicles, and Weapon Platforms
Schunk’s fiber-reinforced polymer solutions offer outstanding mechanical strength at minimal weight—ideal for mobile systems across all domains.
Core advantages:
- Up to 80% lighter than steel
- Optional radar-transparency
- Complex geometries achievable
- Scalable from prototype to full series production
Applications
Areas of Application for Schunk Products in the Defense Sector
Missiles and Guided Weapons
Missiles and guided munitions are among the most demanding defense applications—from anti-drone operations to deep precision strike. Lightweight design and thermal resistance directly impact range, payload, and reliability. Schunk delivers tailored material solutions for thermally and mechanically extreme components—from prototype to serial production.
Typical components:
Warhead covers, fins, control surfaces, combustion chambers, tanks, nozzle segments, thermal shields, structural housings, radomes
Materials:
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), Carbon Reinforced Carbon (CFC), Silicon Carbide (SiC), Durafox® OFC, graphite
Benefits:
Temperature resistance from –40 °C to 3000 °C (depending on material), high stiffness and strength at low weight, reduced overall mass for increased range and payload. All materials support serial production with repeatable quality, are available with MIL-STD and NATO-compliant coatings, and can be engineered for low radar signature through material and surface design.
Shoulder-Launched Systems
Portable weapon systems face high mechanical stress during launch. Schunk supplies precision-engineered CFRP and GFRP components for structural and functional elements in these systems.
Typical components:
Launch tubes, warhead casings, fins, control surfaces, nozzle elements, housings, tanks
Materials:
CFRP, GFRP, CFC, graphite
Benefits:
Outstanding temperature resistance (–40 °C to 3000 °C), lightweight for increased mobility, destructive and non-destructive testing capabilities, surface treatments and coatings in accordance with NATO MIL-STD. Radar signature reduction through fiber and coating selection. Fully scalable for serial production.
Ground Vehicles
Modern combat vehicles must balance mobility, protection, and logistical efficiency. In non-ballistic areas, lightweight design significantly reduces vehicle mass. Schunk supplies composite components that meet structural demands while enabling mobility and modularity.
Typical components:
Non-ballistic panels, launcher tubes, non-ballistic window and door frames, technical housings
Materials:
CFRP, GFRP, aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP)
Benefits:
Up to 80% lighter than steel, impact- and temperature-resistant (–40 °C to 300 °C), radar signature reduction via tailored coatings and fiber materials, field-repairable, complex geometries and scalable for series production.
UAVs
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are essential to modern ISR and tactical operations. They require minimal mass, structural integrity, and high-volume production. Schunk delivers durable, serially manufactured composite components for all critical subsystems.
Typical components:
Wings, rotors, frames, payload and sensor housings, radomes
Materials:
CFRP, GFRP, Durafox® OFC
Benefits:
Lightweight yet rigid, highly repeatable production with automated processes, temperature resistance up to 300 °C, optional radar transparency, NATO-compliant surface finishes.
Development, Manufacturing, Supply
Schunk – Your Trusted Partner for the Security & Defense Industry
Schunk is defined by reliability, manufacturing expertise, and technological independence. As a long-term partner to the defense industry, we support our customers from material selection to certified series production—with deep vertical integration, European sourcing, and scalable capabilities.
European Supply Chain & Long-Term Availability
All manufacturing takes place in Europe. Schunk does not rely on third-party or overseas suppliers. Spare parts availability and long-term support are ensured over the full product lifecycle.
Advanced Manufacturing for Composites & Ceramics
We offer carbonization, graphitization, and high-end coating technologies (e.g., SiC, CVD, PyC). Our fiber composite capabilities include wet winding, laser-assisted tape laying, autoclaving, hot and cold pressing, RTM, SMC, vacuum infusion, and 3D printing.
Development & Quality Assurance
We provide FEM simulation, laboratory testing, and both destructive and non-destructive inspections. Documentation can be delivered per NATO or customer-specific standards. From small-batch prototyping to large-scale production—we support your entire development cycle.
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Whether you need a concept, prototype, or series production, we will accompany you from the initial idea to the final product. Let us work together to find the right material or manufacturing solution for your project.
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