Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize everyday life
much the way plastics did at the turn of the 20th century. A
nanometer is a mere one-billionth of a meter. Nanomaterials that
utilize carbon nanotubes integrate a component that is 50 times
stronger than steel. This allows us to design lightweight
materials with improved strength properties at a price that is
affordable compared to standard manufacturing methods.
Nanotechnology is a rapidly expanding research and development
field that offers great potential for cost savings. It offers
access to quantum and semi-classical effects, which enables us
to harness new capabilities tailored to emerging global security
demands far better than many state-of-the-art technologies used
today. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ Advance Development Programs
(ADP) has engineered a low cost, high performance thermoplastic
alternative for metals and composites called APEXn-1 (Advanced
Polymers Engineered for the Extreme). APEXn-1 is a high strength
and stiffness, light