Hexcel and HyPerComp Unveil Advanced Composite Pressure Vessel at CAMX 2025
Hexcel Corporation (NYSE: HXL), a global leader in advanced composites technology, today announced the debut of a Type IV carbon overwrap pressure vessel (COPV), engineered in collaboration with HyPerComp Engineering Inc. (HEI) and built using Hexcel’s high-performance HexTow® IM11-R/12K carbon fiber.
“Hexcel’s IM11-R/12K fiber enables the next generation of composite pressure vessels, delivering outstanding burst pressure performance and reliability for critical aerospace and space applications,” said Lyndon Smith, President, Americas & Global Fibers, Hexcel.
Type IV COPVs are advanced pressure vessels made with a polymer liner fully wrapped in continuous carbon fiber. Unlike traditional metal tanks, these vessels are corrosion-resistant and significantly lighter, making them ideal for storing gases like hydrogen, helium, and nitrogen in demanding environments. This design offers excellent processability during filament winding and near-perfect translation of fiber mechanical properties. The vessel is designed to meet the growing demand for lightweight, high-strength pressure vessel solutions across aerospace and space sectors.
“We have a high level of collaboration with Hexcel, which is resulting in the development of Type IV COPVs used in extreme environments. Initial testing has shown excellent delivered fiber strengths and burst pressures,” said Jake Walker, Chief Innovation Officer, HyPerComp. “The combination of Hexcel’s advanced fiber technology and our engineering expertise has set a high standard of performance for qualifying new COPV designs used in space launch and other applications.”
“Hexcel and HyPerComp are well along the path for certification for these advanced Type IV composite pressure vessels,” added Smith. “Our collaboration on this technology fosters a more open, innovative, and competitive market, with applications broadening beyond aerospace.”
The new pressure vessel will be featured at Hexcel’s display (booth F17) September 9-11 in Orlando, Florida at the 2025 Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX), the largest and most comprehensive event for composites and advanced materials in North America.
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About Hexcel
Hexcel Corporation is a global leader in advanced lightweight composites technology. We propel the future of flight and transportation through excellence in providing innovative high-performance material solutions that are lighter, stronger, and tougher, helping to create a better world for us all. Our broad and unrivaled product range includes carbon fiber, specialty reinforcements, prepregs and other fiber-reinforced matrix materials, honeycomb, resins, engineered core and composite structures for use in commercial aerospace, defense and space, and industrial applications.
About HyPerComp
HyPerComp Engineering is an industry leader of composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) design and manufacturing solutions focused on custom COPV applications. The company started in 1996 and is rapidly growing to meet the demand of aerospace and commercial customers. HEI has designed several COPVs to meet the rigorous specifications of AIAA S-081/G-082, ISO-11119-2/11119-3, HGV / NGV 2 and other specifications. Reach out to our team to see how we can help meet your mission objectives.
Contacts
Matthew Bates | Director, Marketing & Communications | Matthew.Bates@Hexcel.com | 385-434-4736
Lex Siddoway | Chief Marketing Officer | lexs@hypercompeng.com | 385-515-9055
