In the aerospace industry, ballistic protection is paramount for ensuring the safety and operational integrity of aircraft, particularly in military and high-risk environments. This protective measure involves the strategic placement of armor within the aircraft to shield critical components and personnel from ballistic threats.

Ballistic protection is primarily implemented in the cockpit walls, engine compartments, cabin and other vulnerable areas of the aircraft. In the cockpit, armor is essential to safeguard pilots against potential attacks, allowing them to maintain control of the aircraft even under fire. Engine compartments are also fortified to prevent catastrophic failures that could result from ballistic impacts.
Johann Basselin, Key Account Manager at Integris, sheds light on the company’s journey and capabilities in this niche market.

The journey of Integris in aerospace began with a pivotal opportunity with Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters). The company needed armor for their new NH90 helicopter, marking the start of Integris’ aerospace division.

“We were selected and started our business with OEM as a Tier 1 supplier. This initial project laid the foundation for Integris to expand its aerospace capabilities and establish a strong presence in the industry,” Basselin recalls.

Integris faced numerous challenges as they adapted to the new aerospace contract requirements. The company had to familiarize itself with a plethora of new documents and standards unique to the aerospace industry. To ensure success, Integris collaborated with a specialized aerospace company in the Netherlands, DC, which provided invaluable support in areas such as integrated logistics support and documentation.

“We needed the support of a specific aerospace company, which assisted us in the beginning. This collaboration was crucial in meeting the high standards required for aerospace projects”, states Mathieu Vilaltella – Aerospace Project Manager.

Since then, Integris has leveraged its past experiences to streamline processes for new projects, This strategy has proven effective, allowing the company to efficiently manage and deliver on aerospace contracts.
The aerospace segment now constitutes a significant portion of Integris’ business.

Integris has provided ballistic protection for various aircraft, starting with the H135 from Airbus Helicopters. The company’s portfolio has expanded to include the NH90, H145, H225M (Super Puma), H175, and potentially the H160 in the future. Additionally, Integris has supplied ballistic protection for Leonardo Helicopters’ platforms such as the AW159, AW101, and AW169, as well as fixed-wing aircraft like the Super Tucano and the KC-390 from Embraer. The company also engages in retrofit business, updating older aircraft with new ballistic protection as needed.

An interesting facet of Integris’ aerospace work is their involvement in civil commercial aircraft protection. Following the events of September 2001, all commercial aircraft must have armor on the cockpit wall. Integris has been selected for the A350, and most A350 aircraft flying worldwide are equipped with their armor.
Basselin expresses optimism for future opportunities, stating, “We are convinced that based on our experience and track record, we will be able to further expand our footprint in the aerospace business segment and supporting customers with new qualifications on different platforms “

Integris’ aerospace capabilities are a testament to their ability to adapt and thrive in a complex and demanding defence industry. Their expertise and strategic collaborations have positioned them as a reliable partner in the aerospace sector, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in ballistic protection for aircraft.

For Integris Composites, this delivery marks the realization of a strategic goal established in 2015 — to be a credentialed Tier One supplier to aerospace manufacturers.

“This event signifies the culmination of a nine-year journey,” said Andrew Bonham, president of Integris Composites, Inc. “Our European business was previously established as a global aerospace supplier. In 2015, our U.S. management team set the goal of attaining Tier One supplier status with OEM aviation companies and U.S. Department of Defense decision-makers. By 2017, we achieved AS9100 certification, a vital credential for aerospace companies, ensuring compliance with stringent quality and safety standards,” Bonham explained.

“Then in 2018, Boeing awarded us a contract to develop and engineer the MH-139A armor system. Development, design, and qualification work with Boeing, and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation aircraft with the Air Force followed. Now, thanks to a follow-on contract with Boeing, we are manufacturing the armor kits for the production aircraft,” explained David Cordova, chief commercial officer.

Integris Composites, Inc. has become a credentialed Tier One supplier to aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and prime defense contractors. “Besides Boeing, we have contracts with Bell Flight, Airbus, Velocity Systems, QinetiQ, Battelle Memorial Institute, Mack Defense, American Rheinmetall Vehicles, and the Air Force Institute of Technology,” said Cordova.

“Achieving Tier One aerospace supplier status enhances our already strong business and solidifies our reputation as a trusted provider of ballistic armor systems for vehicles, aviation, and personnel. These systems offer critical protection for personnel operating in hostile environments such as warfighters, tactical security personnel and elite law enforcement units,” Cordova continued.

“Integris Composites produces the most advanced strength-to-weight-ratio in armor for military organizations throughout the world,” Cordova continued. Last year Integris Composites became the new name for TenCate Advanced Armour, a global company founded in Europe 30 years ago this year.

Photo Credits: Department of Defence
(The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.)