Utah technology firms partner with USA Bobsled and Skeleton to develop new racing equipment
A coalition of Utah-based aerospace and composite manufacturers has entered a partnership with USA Bobsled/Skeleton to engineer advanced sled components ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics.
A group of Utah-based manufacturing firms, coordinated by the industry association 47G, is collaborating with USA Bobsled/Skeleton (USABS) to integrate aerospace-grade materials into bobsled and skeleton equipment. The partnership includes Albany Engineered Composites, Hexcel, and Nammo Composite Solutions, companies typically focused on defense and aviation applications.
The project aims to apply advanced composite manufacturing techniques to athletic gear, focusing on weight reduction and structural durability. By utilizing expertise from the aerospace sector, the companies intend to refine the performance specifications of sleds ahead of the 2034 Olympic Winter Games, which are scheduled to take place in Salt Lake City.
While equipment design is a standard component of international winter sports, the direct involvement of aerospace manufacturers highlights a shift toward incorporating industrial-grade engineering into Olympic competition. The program seeks to provide USABS with a domestic manufacturing advantage for future competitive cycles.