Qarbon Aerospace, a leading Tier-1 provider of advanced aerostructures and assemblies, has been awarded a contract in support of the U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer program, manufacturing composite structures for Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR).

Under this competitively bid contract, Qarbon will leverage its large-scale manufacturing capabilities to produce composite structures for the U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer program. The B-1B has served as a cornerstone of U.S. strategic defense for decades, and this contract reflects Qarbon’s growing role as a manufacturing partner for some of the most critical platforms in the U.S. defense industry.

The agreement builds directly on the strategic collaboration between Qarbon and NIAR announced in late 2025, which combined NIAR’s expertise in design, analysis, prototyping, certification, and manufacturing process development with Qarbon’s proven track record in producing large, complex composite and metallic structures and assemblies for the world’s leading aerospace OEMs. This statement of work puts that collaboration into action, moving composite structures from NIAR’s research environment into prototype production at Qarbon’s facilities.

“The B-1B has been critical to America’s long-range strike mission for decades, and Qarbon is proud to support it. We established our partnership with NIAR to bring advanced aerostructures manufacturing to programs like this, and that is exactly what we are doing. Qarbon is committed to supporting the defense industry, and this contract is one more example of that commitment at work,” said Michael Canario, Chief Executive Officer of Qarbon Aerospace

“Through this collaboration, the combined strengths of NIAR’s advanced research and Qarbon’s production expertise come together to strengthen the U.S. Air Force’s long‑range strike readiness,” said John Tomblin, WSU executive vice president for Research and Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. “It’s a powerful example of how university and industry innovation and technology can combine to support the readiness of the warfighter.”

With this contract, Qarbon continues to expand its role as a trusted manufacturing partner for the U.S. defense industry, adding another critical program to its growing portfolio of advanced defense work. Building on over a century of aerospace experience, Qarbon has proven its ability to support some of the most important programs in U.S. defense.

About Qarbon Aerospace

Qarbon Aerospace, headquartered in Red Oak, Texas, is a premier manufacturer of cutting-edge composite components and assemblies, with products installed on the most advanced commercial and military aircraft and spacecraft. Qarbon operates nearly two million square feet of factory space across three facilities located in Red Oak, Texas, Milledgeville, Georgia, and Rayong, Thailand. Qarbon has vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities from component fabrication through large-scale assembly as well as world-leading proprietary thermoplastics technologies. Qarbon has longstanding relationships with blue-chip OEM customers and a diversified product portfolio across a variety of successful commercial, defense, and business jet platforms. Qarbon has the capabilities and resources to solve the market’s toughest challenges. Aerospace innovation built on a century of experience. You can find more information at www.QarbonAerospace.com.

About Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR)

The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University provides research, testing, certification and training services to support the aviation, defense and advanced manufacturing industries. NIAR’s mission is to strengthen university research capabilities; provide applied learning opportunities for students; and support the aviation and manufacturing industries – while driving innovation and prosperity for the community, region and state. Established in 1985, NIAR yearly R&D expenditures exceed $400 million, with over 2,000 personnel and 2 million square feet of laboratory and office space in six locations across Wichita, Kan., and Huntsville, Ala. niar.wichita.edu

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