(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., announced $48 million in federal funding Tuesday to help develop thermoplastic materials in Spokane for aircraft in the defense and commercial markets.
The Biden administration designated the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center in Spokane as one of 31 Tech Hubs established by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. The $48 million announced Tuesday will establish a “first-of-its-kind testbed facility.”
According to a U.S. Senate press release, the AAMMC will develop thermoplastic materials that are lightweight, heat-moldable, and intended to replace certain parts. Spokane will focus on creating the materials for large aerostructures, which are components of a plane’s airframe…