Carborundum Universal (CUMI), a materials science company, has announced a technology partnership with private-sector drone manufacturer, ideaForge Technology. It was stated that they would work together to create products that contain nanomaterial reinforcement, resulting in drones — also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — that possess increased lightness, strength and durability.

CUMI, an innovative materials science organization and a division of the Murugappa Group with a 120-year history, had entered into a partnership agreement with ideaForge Technology, a leading drone manufacturer in India. Their common goal was the development of advanced composite parts for drones, using nanomaterial reinforcement.

Cumi's expertise lies in nanomaterial-reinforced composite materials, including polymers enriched with substances such as graphene. These materials have the potential to revolutionize the construction of structural components used in aerospace applications.

In March, CUMI had made public a Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) concluded with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The purpose of this agreement was to facilitate the production of ceramic radoms intended for use in aerospace and missile systems.

Ceramic radome technology is recognized worldwide as an indispensable, state-of-the-art advancement for ballistic and tactical missiles, as well as high-performance aircraft. Given that rockets encounter extreme surface temperatures both during their atmospheric trajectory and upon returning from space, the radomes at the tip of these rockets are made of ceramic materials to withstand these temperature fluctuations.