Aerospace
RF-welded inflatable aerospace components — including prototype landing bag assemblies for the Orion space capsule program and UAV/drone platforms
Overview
APPF Inc. has a proud and unique history in aerospace fabrication. In the early 2000s, APPF was engaged by a third-party aerospace engineering contractor supporting one of the most ambitious space programs of the era: the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle. APPF's role was to build the prototypes for the Orion landing system — an inflatable airbag assembly designed to allow the capsule to land safely on the ground rather than splashing down in the ocean.
Working directly with the contractor's on-site engineering team, APPF's fabricators built prototype multi-chamber inflatable bag assemblies using precision RF-welded PVC and urethane materials. These prototypes were engineered to deploy on impact, cushioning the capsule and crew during a land-based touchdown — a capability that would have significantly expanded mission flexibility and recovery operations.
APPF also fabricates inflatable landing bag assemblies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones. These precision RF-welded multi-chamber systems are designed to cushion belly landings on unprepared surfaces, protecting the airframe at touchdown. This capability demonstrates APPF's ability to deliver flight-critical inflatable systems for next-generation unmanned platforms.
This project exemplifies APPF's ability to work at the intersection of precision RF welding, industrial sewing, and aerospace-grade fabrication. Our team understands the traceability, documentation, and quality requirements demanded by aerospace programs, and we bring that same rigor to every project we undertake.
Beyond these programs, APPF continues to support aerospace and defense applications with inflatable structures, fluid containment systems, and specialty fabric assemblies built to the highest standards. Our ITAR registration, Berry Amendment compliance, and CAGE Code (1NLJ3) make us a qualified partner for government and commercial aerospace programs.
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Capabilities
- Prototype inflatable landing bag assemblies
- Drone & UAV inflatable landing systems
- RF-welded PVC and urethane aerospace components
- Multi-chamber inflatable structures
- Aerospace-grade seam and weld integrity
- On-site engineering collaboration and prototype development
- Full traceability and documentation
- ITAR registered and compliant
- Berry Amendment compliant
- Spacecraft and aerospace component fabrication
- Fluid containment for aerospace applications
- Custom die tooling for complex geometries
- Prototype through production hardware