To reduce the cost of the existing antenna mast and to improve its performance, a study will be accomplished that will evaluate both the materials and the manufacturing process. As a result of the new materials developments in industry and the acquisition of the advanced six axis tape/filament winding equipment at Lunn, we anticipate being able to reduce the weight of the structure by 15%, with a 30% increase in mast stiffness and a related cost decrease of 20% through use of automated manufacturing processes. Phase II will be to fabricate full scale components and test to prove the better properties and verify the cost savings.
