CRP Group integrates additive manufacturing and precision machining, delivering lightweight, resilient components and proprietary Windform® materials to support next-generation uncrewed air systems (UAS) and defense platforms.
With over 55 years of engineering experience rooted in Formula One, CRP Group combines additive manufacturing and precision CNC machining to deliver lightweight, performance-optimized components.
End-to-End Manufacturing Capabilities
CRP Group offers vertically integrated workflows covering the complete production cycle, from initial design to finished components. Services include industrial-grade additive manufacturing with proprietary composite materials, Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) with CNC machining, rapid sand casting with CNC machining, high-speed 5-axis CNC milling, high-precision CNC turning with live tooling, and electrical discharge machining (EDM). This integrated capability provides defense OEMs and system integrators with a single-source manufacturing solution to meet rapid and resilient production requirements.
Hybrid Manufacturing for UAS
CRP Group’s production model merges additive processes with subtractive precision, combining design flexibility with strict dimensional control. This approach enables:
- Additively manufactured internal structures with CNC-machined surfaces where required
- Production aligned with EN9100, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 standards
- Design-for-manufacture consultation and digital simulation
- Advanced finishing options, including vapor smoothing and specialist manual finishing techniques
- Low-rate initial production (LRIP) without hard tooling, supporting prototyping and rapid iteration
This workflow provides components that are functionally optimized, mechanically resilient, and suited to accelerated development timelines.
Photo: Courtesy of Hoverfly
Windform® Composite Materials
At the center of CRP Technology’s additive manufacturing capability is the Windform® range of composite materials. Developed initially for motorsport, Windform® is now widely applied across aerospace and defense platforms.
The material family offers high strength-to-weight ratios that support endurance and payload efficiency, along with thermal and chemical resistance for applications near propulsion systems or in harsh environments. Low dielectric properties and a reduced radar cross section make Windform® suitable for electronic housings and low observability components.
Carbon fiber–reinforced grades introduce controlled conductivity for electrical integration, while impact and vibration resistance make the materials appropriate for modular, recoverable, or expendable systems. With multiple grades available, engineers can align material properties with mission-specific requirements while avoiding tooling delays.
Applications Across Air, Sea, and Space
CRP Group’s technologies have been applied to a range of platforms, including:
- Sensor housings and protective enclosures
- Aerodynamic structures and propulsion units
- Tiltrotor and rotary-wing drones
- Orbital propulsion modules for satellite deployment
These applications demonstrate the company’s role in supporting airborne, maritime, and space platforms, with components designed for reliability under demanding operating conditions.
