Laser Equipment Helping to Restore Historic Aircraft

Joining Technologies, a laser cladding, electron beam and laser welding applications company, announced its laser equipment is helping to restore worn-out parts and components of Connecticut’s official state aircraft — the F4U Corsair as part of a volunteer-based effort called the Connecticut Corsair project.

Flown extensively during WWII, the F4U Corsair was the first US military single engine aircraft to fly faster than 400 miles per hour. The plane was fully designed and built in Connecticut and was designated the state’s official state aircraft in 2005. The Connecticut Corsair project is restoring a plane built in 1945 and sold as scrap metal by the US Navy in 1957.

The goal of the Connecticut Corsair project is to restore the aircraft to flying condition. However, functioning components are not available anymore — even the plane’s spare parts are extremely worn-out. Connecticut Corsair is therefore turning to modern technology to salvage parts once considered unsalvageable.

Joining Technologies, also headquartered in Connecticut, is providing its laser technology and expertise to the project. Through computer-aided design and modern laser technology, the company is modeling parts and restoring components back to original shape.

“As a Connecticut business, we are proud to be a part of the Corsair restoration project,” said Mike Francoeur, founder and CEO of Joining. “It’s very exciting that the power of modern technology is putting an historic aircraft back in the air.”

For more information, visit: www.joiningtech.com