Exel Composites has entered into a significant contract with French-Canadian airship manufacturer and operator, FLYING WHALES to provide ~75 kilometers of pull-wound carbon fiber tubes for the first full structure of an LCA60T airship, the world’s largest airship designed to revolutionize cargo transport.

In 2024, Exel and FLYING WHALES announced an R&D partnership for the development and prototyping of the tubes, and this order marks the next step in the companies’ collaboration. The financial details of the contract have not been disclosed by the parties.

The tubes will be made with aeronautical carbon fiber and epoxy resin, manufactured with advanced pull-winding technology at our Joensuu factory in Finland. This continuous process enables the demanding mechanical specifications while ensuring timely high-quality serial production.

Under the terms of the agreement, Exel will undergo a rigorous qualification process to ensure the carbon fiber tubes meet the stringent requirements for aeronautical applications. Delivery of the tubes is expected to start by Q3 2025.

“We are thrilled regarding our partnership with FLYING WHALES on this exciting project and to apply our development and pull-winding technology to such an innovative application. This collaboration with a world leader on large capacity airship, not only showcases our advanced R&D and manufacturing capabilities but also highlights our dedication to meeting the stringent demands of the aerospace industry. We look forward to seeing the LCA60T airship transform cargo transportation”, says Paul Sohlberg, President and CEO of Exel Composites.