Ex-Core takes off in defence and aerospace

Ex-Core® Technologies has brought its one shot composite technology into aerospace, introducing the VTOL MK-I.

The VTOL MK-I was developed together with ARE Dynamics, and it shows what Ex-Core ® brings to an airframe: extreme strength, complex shapes produced in a single step and a much simpler production process.

While several defence and aerospace programmes are well underway, the VTOL MK-I is the only one we can share at this stage.

Over the coming weeks we'll take you inside the VTOL MK-I, from the first idea to a flying drone. You'll follow the full journey: the challenge, the redesigned airframe, the tooling and testing, the one piece carbon parts and finally the drone in the air.

It's Ex-Core technology in practice: one shot production of complex composite structures, with part integration, near net shape accuracy and a better strength to weight ratio, at 65% lower production time than conventional composite production.

Nothing beats seeing it up close. Meet us at EDIF 2026 at the World Forum in The Hague this November, where we will showcase the development and application of the Ex-Core Technologies x ARE Dynamics VTOL MK-I, a one shot carbon fibre UAS airframe.

“Weight is more critical for aviation than just about any other industry, and it seemed to be a natural growth path for us.” Denis Donkervoort

Defence needs materials that are lighter, stronger and built to endure the most extreme conditions. Ex-Core delivers exactly that. Its thermally expanding core makes the most complex shapes, high precision and part integration possible in one shot. Production is flexible and can be set up at any location, so Ex-Core redefines what can be achieved in the most demanding environments.

Ex-Core is already proven in high performance automotive, maritime and UAV platforms. Now it opens up new potential for defence, from mission critical structural parts to lightweight designs where every gram counts.