NCAME partners with Lockheed Martin to develop components for future aircraft
Published: May 28, 2026 11:00 AM
By Joe McAdory
Lockheed Martin representatives met with NCAME researchers on campus this spring.
Researchers in the National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence are partnering with Lockheed Martin on the development of a flight‑intended component for the company’s Vectis aircraft platform, scheduled to fly in 2027.
The three‑year project focuses on redesigning a traditionally multi‑component assembly into a single consolidated part using advanced design for additive manufacturing methodologies. Once the redesign is complete, the component will be additively manufactured at NCAME and delivered to Lockheed Martin for integration and evaluation.
“This project is a strong validation of the work being done at NCAME,” said Nima Shamsaei, NCAME director and the Philpott‑WestPoint Stevens Distinguished Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. “Opportunities like this do not happen unless industry has confidence in our people, processes, and technical capability. Working directly with Lockheed Martin to help develop a flight intended component for a next gen aircraft is a major step forward for our team and for additive manufacturing."
“The effort represents a major milestone for Auburn Engineering and NCAME, demonstrating the growing confidence industry leaders have in our ability to support high‑performance, flight‑critical aerospace applications,” said Scot Carpenter, NCAME research engineer.
Vectis is a Group 5 uncrewed aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works ® organization. It is designed for complex operational environments and can operate alongside crewed aircraft such as the F‑35. The aircraft uses a modular, upgradeable design that supports the use of additive manufacturing in component development.
The project originated through engagement with JD McFarlan III, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for air vehicle engineering and Auburn alumnus (’84, mechanical engineering).
"Lockheed Martin is excited to collaborate with Auburn University's NCAME team to further advance the application of additive manufacturing in our Skunk Works ® products," McFarlan said.
Shamsaei said McFarlan's long‑standing relationship with Auburn continues to strengthen the university’s position in advanced manufacturing and aerospace research.
“His involvement underscores the impact of Auburn’s alumni network in opening doors to high‑value industry partnerships and accelerating the university’s role in next‑generation defense technologies,” Shamsaei said.
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