Continuous Composites announced a U.S. Navy Phase II SBIR programme to advance CF3D technology for embedding electrical conductors and fibre optics in UAV composite structures.
Short answer
Continuous Composites announced a U.S. Navy Phase II SBIR contract to integrate electrical conductors into load-bearing UAV composite structures using its CF3D continuous-fibre additive-manufacturing approach.
Why does it matter?
Traditional wire harnesses add weight, installation volume and maintenance complexity. Embedding conductors may reduce these burdens, but electrical isolation, fatigue, damage tolerance and repairability require joint validation.
Scope stated in the company release
According to the company release dated 30 August 2026, Phase I co-printed copper wiring and fibre optics within glass-fibre-reinforced panels. The company reports limited effect on mechanical integrity; Phase II targets higher-capacity paths and a system-level demonstrator.
Critical composite-design topics
- Interaction of fibre direction and conductor routing
- Resin–conductor interface and electrical isolation
- Thermal-expansion mismatch
- Function retention after impact/fatigue
- NDT and field repair method
Frequently asked questions
Is CF3D the same as conventional 3D printing?
No. The company’s process combines continuous fibre, thermoset resin and robotic deposition in a specialised composite-manufacturing method.
Is the technology in serial production?
The announced programme covers research, sub-scale validation and an optional system demonstrator; it does not mean a production-ready product for every UAV platform.
SDF Ticaret perspective
For fabric direction, core and resin matching in UAV parts, see our PMI foam guide and regional supply page.